Cultural Dichotomy
The two narratives entail the clashing of cultural identities and social or political climates with characters caught in between. Chang Yu-I grows up in a period that is transitioning from the traditional past to a communist era of the modern world. Furthermore, living in the United States, she has to balance her traditional customs and the western culture. Their existence is paradoxical because of the duality of their surroundings and identity.
Generational Gap
The novel charts the life of two relatives from two different generations but facing marginally the same problems. Chang Yu-I is torn between two cultures while struggling to reconcile the traditional practices that define her reality. Ironically, years later, her great-niece Pang-Mei as a first-generation immigrant born in America grapples with the same identity issues.
Irony of Loyalty
The sense of filial duty defines Chang Yu-I’s life through her first marriage, single motherhood, and second marriage. Though she adopts western views and lives in foreign countries, she maintains this sense of duty throughout her life. Even after she divorces her first husband she takes care of the in-laws years after her relocation to Europe.
Irony of Tradition
The novel opens with the narrator pointing out the status of women in China. Therefore, the narrative sets the tone of how women are slaves to the traditions that favor the men over their female counterparts. Though Chang’s husband is absent and cruel to his family, the other members blame the wife for the problems. Rather than direct the scrutiny to the husband Chang Yu-I takes the burden of the marital issues.
Divorce
The obsession with western culture causes Hsu Chih-mo to glorify divorce even though it is against their tradition. Ironically, he looks forward to the western style divorce even before their marriage begins which he later demands.
