The Book of Records
The narratives and family history are connected through The Book of Records that has been passed down for generations. Its presence symbolizes the significance of storytelling and family connection which offers a grasp on one’s identity and heritage. The story focusing on the evolving political climate in China illustrates the toll these changes had on family and their ties. Apart from the immigrations and exiles that separated families the oppressive regimes negatively impacted the identities of both former and new generations. The Book of Records serves as an anchor that ensures family bonds amidst the political unrest, separation, and resistance. Through Ai-Ming, Li-Ling manages to learn of the bond between the two families and the ordeals that shaped their relations. Thus, it unifies the characters while preserving the family history through the art of storytelling.
Music
The story charts the lives of different generations through Chinese history in the second half of the 20th century. Therefore demonstrates the struggles between freedom of expression and propaganda especially during the Mao regime. Music becomes and acts as the tool that symbolizes expression, individuality, and freedom as political and cultural oppression escalates. Moreover, the novel entails and references music and anthems that were prominent with different movements and factions in the era. The narrative covering the Shanghai Conservatory delves into the lives of three musicians Sparrow, Zhuli, and Kai. The Cultural Revolution sabotages their creativity through censorship intending to politically influence the masses. It reaches its climax when Zhuli chooses to commit suicide to preserve her authenticity and identity rather than surrender to the ideals.
Radios
While music symbolizes freedom of expression, radios act as tools of propaganda by the government. With the aim of eliminating the counterrevolutionaries and the rightists, the government uses the airwaves to spread their revolutionary politics. The individuality in music poses a threat which they counterattack with censorship therefore the radios are utilized to convey Mao’s politics. After Sparrow is removed from the Shanghai Conservatory he has no choice other than to work and cooperate with the government. Being forced to work at the radio factory symbolizes silencing and denial of freedom of expression. The radio airwaves are filled with Maoist propaganda meant to be listened to by everyone despite their political stance.
Water
The narrative takes place in a time of drastic political and cultural shifts, in turn, individual and personal changes as well. As such water is a constant element in the story incorporated at the point of these changes or personal growth. The use of terminology around water to describe the political climate and the imagery of rain is prominent. Through the Cultural Revolution, the imagery of water is utilized to describe the new wave of rule altering the former ways. The characters are also frequently in the rain during times of new development both in public and private spheres.
Communism
The novel covers a great deal of Chinese history from when the communist rule took hold of the political scene. It refers to important historical moments including the Tiananmen Square demonstrations that portrayed the cusp of this political struggle. The immediate impact of the Mao regime on the people is explicitly showcased through individual points of view. Communism is therefore a common motif from the advent of land reform campaigns and purges of factions with capitalist and traditional ideals.
