Chinese Cinderella Flashcards
(9 cards)
GAP
Yen Mah engages her readers in her autobiographical memoir by raising awareness of cultural and gender-based injustice, while also offering comfort and inspiration to young people through her personal story of resilience.
Overarching structure
The chronological structure of Chinese Cinderella guides us through Adeline’s struggles, helping us understand how her suffering builds over time. Moving through her experiences in this way engages the reader emotionally, as we become more invested in Adeline’s journey and begin to sympathise with her feelings of rejection
Quote 1
“warm wind blowing” possible typhoon the next day,”
1. Pathetic fallacy reflects Adeline’s emotional state”, creates a sense of unease.
2. Followed by “” with builds the sense of tension and discomfort.
3. Weather mirrors Adeline’s growing stress and anxiety, the typhoon acts as a metaphor for her emotions, symbolising the fear building as she approaches home.
Quote 2
“Like a persistent toothache”
The simile helps the reader understand Adeline’s ongoing, persistent pain. Toothaches are often endured for some time before being treated, which mirrors how her emotional pain is neglected and unacknowledged by her family.
By using a relatable, everyday pain, the image engages the reader and allows them to empathise more deeply with Adeline. The comparison helps readers to visualise her emotional suffering in a more tangible, physical way.
The comparison to a toothache also implies that her pain, while not dramatic or loud, is still wearing and damaging over time. This suggests that her trauma is not always visible, but it is always present, which deepens our sympathy for her.
Quote 3
“I had been summoned by father to enter the holy of holies”
1. The verb “summoned” makes her father sound like a powerful, almost royal or divine figure, which creates a sense of intimidation. It implies that Adeline has no choice and must obey, showing the imbalance of power in their relationship.
2. This moment builds suspense for the reader. Since Adeline is rarely given attention by her father, the act of being called by him causes anxiety, not excitement. The father becomes a figure of emotional fear and unpredictability.
3. The aspirated alliteration in “Holy of Holies” (with the repeated ‘h’ sound) creates a soft, gasping or breathy tone, which adds to the feeling of awe, fear, and reverence. Describing his room in this way makes it feel sacred and untouchable, reinforcing how distant and intimidating her father is.
Quote 4
“Looking relaxed in his slippers and bathrobe”
1.After all the tension and awe built up around entering the “Holy of Holies,” this relaxed image of her father subverts expectations, leading to an anticlimactic moment. The reader feels the same confusion and discomfort as Adeline.
2. There’s a strong contrast between the imagined, powerful father and his actual, domestic appearance. This juxtaposition makes the moment feel odd and unpredictable, keeping the reader on edge.
3. His relaxed outfit feels emotionally distant — it’s not comforting but rather awkward and out of place, making the reader and Adeline question what his intentions are.
Quote 5
“My heart gave a giant lurch”
1. guttural, effortful tone, mimicking the physical jolt of panic or shock. This sound mirrors the emotional tension Adeline feels in the moment.
2. The verb “lurch” suggests a sudden, aggressive movement, highlighting how her emotional response is not calm but full of shock, fear, or unease. It’s not gentle relief — it’s something more complex and intense.
3. “My heart” is a synecdoche, representing her entire emotional state. The whole phrase works as a metaphor for the overwhelming wave of relief, surprise, and anxiety she experiences. It shows how deeply her father’s approval or presence affects her.
Quote 6
“Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive.”
- By quoting Wordsworth, Adeline demonstrates her intelligence and literary awareness. It also reflects her emotional growth, as she connects her own feelings to a wider, poetic tradition — suggesting that this moment is deeply meaningful for her.
- The metaphor of a new dawn symbolises a fresh start or emotional awakening. After all her suffering, this quote conveys a rare moment of joy and possibility, engaging the reader with a hopeful tone.
Final tone
The final tone is one of cautious optimism and emotional release, as Adeline begins to find hope and purpose after a childhood filled with rejection, allowing the reader to feel a sense of resolution and quiet triumph.
