Pem/Pam Character Analysis

Pem is one of Hà’s first two friends in Alabama. Though she introduces herself as Pam, Hà hears “Pem,” and so calls her friend Pem in her narration. She’s in Hà’s class and has long red hair and has to wear skirts that reach to her calves. Pem smiles a lot, helps Hà navigate the social structure at school, and tries to help Hà avoid being beaten up by Pink Boy. For Christmas, Pem gives Hà a beautiful doll with long black hair. Hà is embarrassed not to have a gift to give to Pem in return, so a few weeks after Christmas, Mother gives Hà some flower seeds that Hà and TiTi collected to give to Pem.