“He does live by the Chinese Groove”
Shelley comforts himself that his uncle epitomizes the "Chinese Groove." The Groove is characterized by a spirit of brotherliness among the people of Chinese descent. Shelley comforts himself, “He does live by the Chinese groove." His remark is ironic because before departing from China, his uncle insisted that Shelley can stay with him for a maximum of two weeks. The condition is antithetical to the Chinese Groove because it means that his uncle does not care how Shelley will survive after the two weeks.
American Exceptionalism
Although immigrants such as Shelley envision prosperity before migrating to America, some Americas lead not-so-prosperous lives. Shelley reckons, "All Americans have way more space than they need, except for the chaps who live under the highways, and even they have the prairie." America, despite being advanced and prosperous, grapples with destitution. Some poor fellows in America have no homes, so they make homes of the spaces beneath the highways. Such fellows lead a worse life than those in China who live in single-room houses.
“He Cursed”
Instated of being happy that he has helped Shelley master English and find his way to America, Shelley's father curses. He would be expected to be thrilled for actualizing the promise. Shelley recounts, "He cursed the day he'd promised my mother that I would learn English, which she believed I need to succeed in the modern world…Father cursed the promise." The promise will help Shelley to fulfill his mother's vision for him. But the promise comes with pains that make Shelley's father detest it. Keeping his promise to his departed wife means that he will be physically separated from his son.
