Chinese Cinderella Flashcards
p1
The writer uses language and structure to depict Adeline’s relationships with her friends and how they are not as close as they may seem.
The reference to “Four of us were playing Monopoly” suggests that Adeline has friends, but they are not described in detail, and only one friend, Mary, is named.
This lack of detail and emphasis on only one friend may suggest that their friendships are not very intimate.
Adeline is distracted during the game, and her worries about leaving school are described using the simile “throbbed… like a persistent toothache.” However, she does not confide in her friends about her fears, indicating a lack of closeness and trust.
Furthermore, Mary, the only named friend, seems to have selfish reasons for not wanting Adeline to leave, as she is winning the game.
Through the use of language and structure, the writer portrays Adeline’s friendships as superficial and lacking in emotional connection.
P2
The writer also employs language and structure to highlight Adeline’s strained relationship with her teacher, Ma-mien Valentino. Although Adeline and the other girls demonstrate respect for Ma-mien Valentino by standing up when she enters, the teacher’s interactions with Adeline are depicted through three short sentences, two of which are peremptory exclamations.
This suggests that Ma-mien Valentino may be irritated with Adeline for not responding more quickly.
Adeline’s thoughts of being “full of foreboding” and “full of dread” reveal her lack of enthusiasm about seeing her family, and the repetition of “full” emphasizes her preoccupation with negative emotions.
Adeline wonders “who had died this time,” indicating that she is only summoned by her family in case of a tragedy and not because they miss her or genuinely want to see her.
The distant and strained relationship between Adeline and her family is further emphasized by the lack of warm reception or anticipation of her arrival.
Adeline’s questions to the chauffeur, “Why are you taking me home?”, “Where are we?”, and “Where is everyone?”, highlight the lack of communication and interest her family has shown towards her, further depicting their distant relationship.
p3
The writer employs language and structure to depict Adeline’s complex relationship with her father.
Adeline’s father is described in biblical terms as “the Holy of Holies,” implying that he is godlike to her. The fact that she has “never been invited” to enter his room before suggests that she can only enter with his permission.
Adeline’s bewilderment at her father’s sudden desire to see her is depicted through the question “Why?…” followed by an ellipsis, showing her confusion and lack of understanding of his motives.
Adeline approaches her father timidly, using the fronted adverbial “timidly” to intensify her apprehension.
She asks herself rhetorical questions, questioning her father’s motives, showing her lack of trust and fear of being tricked.
Her father’s command to “Sit down!” reveals his authoritarian demeanor and lack of warmth. Adeline’s thought that her father was proud of her “for once” highlights how rare it is for her to receive his approval.
The use of direct speech in the exchange between Adeline and her father further depicts the power differential, with the verbs and adverbs revealing her father’s changing attitude from approval to scoffing based on her response.
Her father’s repeated use of the simple future tense “you will” shows his traditional patriarchal attitude and lack of consideration for her opinion.
Despite this, Adeline’s excessive gratitude expressed through repetition, “thank you very, very much,” further underscores her complex emotions towards her father.
