Opening sentence
Ma's true character and courage are brought using imagery when Meddelin Chan opens the door and allows her to pass first. Meddelin says, "I take a deep breath before pushing the sewing door. Noise spills out, a cacophony of Mandarin and Cantonese; I step aside so Ma can walk inside before me. It is not that I am being Nice – I mean, I am, but I am also being sensible." This imagery is significant because it notifies readers about Ma's courage. Meddelin is not only being respectful when she allows her mother to pass first, but she allows her to do because she is courageous and nothing can stand in her way. Ma was brought up in Chinatown, where women knew how to navigate through crowds and ensure they achieved their goals.
The imagery of Santa Lucia
The author writes, "The Island she is talking about is Santa Lucia, a large, privately owned island off the coast of Southern California that boasts prestige golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and, as of a month ago, one of the most luxurious, exclusive resorts in the world – the Ayana Lucia.” The author uses imagery to paint a clear picture of Santa Lucia Island in the readers' minds. For instance, the author says the island is full of stunning coastlines and tall cliffs. One of the most exclusive developments on the island is the luxurious resort called Ayana Lucia, owned by Nathan. Consequently, the writer's description paints a vivid picture of the island, which depicts the beauty for readers who have never been to such a place.
The chaotic scene at the wedding
The author paints a picture of the wedding and shows readers its disorderliness. For Meddelin's family to accomplish its plans of disposing of the body of Ah Guan, they give the groomsmen alcohol, and they all become drunk. The author writes, “The wedding scene becomes chaotic, and Meddelin's family gets an opportunity to dress the corpse and drops it in the pool.” The reader vividly sees the unfolding events in the wedding signifying Meddelin’s family's guilt because they know what they did and must do everything possible to hide evidence.
