Storytelling
Mei's storytelling ability symbolizes her ability to lead and calm people regardless of ethnicity and race. Mei's stories are appreciated by both the young and adults of all races. The intriguing thing about Mei's imaginative tales is that they are entertaining and fulfilling. More importantly, Mei's stories bring people together, and they act as a therapy that heals wounds when tragedy strikes.
Auntie Po
Auntie Po is an allegorical figure that represents guardianship and protection. Auntie Po is an imaginative Chinese woman who is bigger than life. According to Po, Auntie Po is powerful, and she has good intentions because one of her primary roles is protecting the logging crew to ensure that they are safe.
The symbolism of racism
The Nevada logging camp's boss represents racism when he sacks all the Chinese employees. The selective action of singling out one group of people from a particular ethnicity and race is nothing less than bigotry. Mei's father is the head cook in the logging camp, and he is among the sacked employees. The reader also learns that the Chinese people have limited opportunities, unlike their white counterparts.
Giant Mosquitoes
The giant mosquitoes represent racist oppressors. According to Mei, Auntie protects the logging crew from the oppressors. In this regard, the oppressors are the whites who discriminate against the Chinese people. For instance, the reader realizes that anti-Chinese sentiments trigger violence and boycotting of work.
