The Jade Peony
Grandmother's most beloved jade ornament is a peony carved from blush-pink jade. The peony is described several times using vivid and specific imagery. The narrative describes the color of the jade, and embodies it with almost sentient properties, comparing it to a beating heart. The vivid imagery of the peony reveals how important the object is, because Grandmother sees it almost as an extension of herself. Especially once Grandmother passes away, the peony is a touchstone for her memory and traditions. The imagery describing the jade peony is also important because it is a precious luxury object owned by a poor family which does not have many treasures. For the children in particular, the object makes a vivid impression.
City of Vancouver
In the novel, Choy meticulously references geographic details to construct a vivid setting for the plot. Imagery—including rain, oceans, snow, and mountains—make it possible for readers to imagine the place where the characters live. The imagery describing Vancouver is important because it not only creates a vivid setting but also evokes why the location is strange and sometimes challenging for the characters who have settled there. Grandmother and other elderly residents of Chinatown sometimes call Vancouver "Salt Water City" because of the consistent ocean and rain imagery. The geography is unique and striking, but also alienating for the characters who have never entirely felt at home there.
Jung-Sum's Fight with Frank
One day, Jung-Sum gets into a mock fist fight with Frank, which turns into an actual violent struggle, and triggers traumatic memories of abuse. Frank comforts Jung-Sum, and then Jung-Sum experiences a sexual awakening triggered by being touched by the older boy. The entire episode is described using vivid imagery to conjure up what Jung-Sum can feel, see, hear, and smell during the encounter. The vivid imagery is important because the episode triggers strong emotions in Jung-Sum due to the sensual immersion. The sights, sounds, and feel of the fight first evoke memories of being beaten as a young child; then, the sensual experience of Frank touching Jung-Sum as he soothes him triggers Jung-Sum's first experience of sexual desire. The imagery highlights that this incident is an important turning point in Jung-Sum's life, and reveals how sensual and physical experiences can both awaken memories and deepen one's self-knowledge.
The Stillbirth
When Jung-Sum is a young boy, about one year after Sek-Lung is born, Stepmother gives birth to another stillborn boy. The stillbirth takes place at home, in a small house, and the other children are not shielded from this event. Jung-Sum is able to describe what he sees, smells, and hears in the aftermath of the stillbirth, while Stepmother recovers and receives care from both Father and Grandmother. The imagery is important because it shows a close-knit family caring for its members, as well as the importance of traditional practices. Grandmother cares for Stepmother using traditional Chinese medicine, and the family also participates in religious rituals to mourn the loss of the child. Finally, the imagery shows that while the family does not seem to make a big deal out of this sad event, it continues to linger in the mind of the children. Jung-Sum notes that seeing both death and birth were a normal part of growing up, but these events were impactful nonetheless.
