Duckweed Flower
The duckweed flower represents Hang’s disillusionment with her seemingly idyllic childhood. She recounts how, as a child, she would actively seek out the purple duckweed flowers because she admired their beauty. But as Hang…
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The Cripple’s Song
Similar to the duckweed flower, the cripple’s song symbolizes the evolution in Hang’s understanding of the suffering and pain in her society. As Hang is growing up, her neighbor (whom she calls the…
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Jewelry
In the book, jewelry—particularly the gold earrings and rings that Aunt Tam gives to Hang—exemplifies the way that wealth is an expression of love for Hang’s family. Aunt Tam gives the earrings and rings…
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