Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Hundred Flowers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Redemption
Journeys and Growth
Suffering, Strength, and Resilience
Home and Family
The Promises and Failures of Communism
Summary
Analysis
Much to Tao’s surprise, despite Sheng’s and Wei’s absences, normal life continues. Kai Ying still cares for her patients, he still goes to school, Auntie Song still tends the garden, and Suyin and her baby become comfortable in the house. His world has become a world of women. Only when he sees the strong, tall kapok tree in the courtyard does he feel close to his father and grandfather.
Tao’s definition of “normal” changes as he realizes that he cannot escape pain and suffering or return things to the way they were. His life gets easier as he accepts the places of continuity instead of focusing on the areas of change. And in Wei’s absence, the family finds equilibrium by welcoming Suyin and the baby. The kapok tree stands over it all, gently reminding Tao of his absent father and grandfather.
Themes
