paper menagerie Flashcards
“The paper tiger vibrated under my finger, purring.”
Sensory imagery of verbs “vibrated” and “purring” ( touch and sound) and personification; symbolizes magical connection between Jack and his mother.
“She breathed into them so that they shared her breath and thus moved with her life. This was her magic.”
Symbolism and magical realism; origami animals embody deep bond and cultural heritage.
“A The skin of the tiger was the pattern on the wrapping paper, white background with red candy canes and green Christmas trees. “
Descriptive imagery; illustrates transformation of ordinary materials into magical art. Symbolic blend of cultures – Chinese craft illustrated by Western/Christian festive paper
“What kind of woman puts herself into a catalog so that she can be bought?”
Internal monologue; reflects Jack’s internalized racism and naïve misunderstanding of mother’s experience.
“Something about the mixing never seems right. The child looks unfinished. Slanty eyes, white face. A little monster.”
Dialogue; detailed and grotesque description of Jack, suggesting perspectives on race that wouldn’t usually be voiced but may have been felt.
“That doesn’t sound very Chinesey.”
Dialogue; societal expectations and stereotypes about racial and ethnic identity. Casual diminution of Jack’s cultural roots through choice of “Chinesey”.
“I looked into the mirror. I look nothing like her, nothing.”
Conveys Jack’s identity crisis and disconnection from Chinese heritage – rejection of self is implied by repetition of “nothing’.
” English,” I said. “Speak English.”
Repetition; highlights language barrier and cultural estrangement within the family.
“Your mom makes toys for you from trash?”
Dialogue; societal racism and devaluation of mother’s culture and craft through pejorative noun “trash”.
“Do I have a chink face?”
Direct dialogue; internalization of racial slurs ( “chink”) and struggle with racial identity.
“We are not other families.”
Short, emphatic statement; reflects Jack’s alienation and bicultural identity struggle.
“If I say ‘love’ I feel here… ‘ai’ I feel here.”
Contrast in language use; shows mother’s struggle with cultural expression and Jack’s disconnect.
“I felt I was losing everything all over again. Why won’t you talk to me, son?”
Internal dialogue; reveals mother’s pain and confusion due to cultural and linguistic barriers. Pathos of the unanswered question.
“I thought her movements exaggerated, uncertain, ridiculous, graceless.”
Internal monologue; critical observations in the list of adjectives showcase Jack’s internalized racism and cultural shame.
“The animals will stop moving when I stop breathing.”
Foreshadowing and symbolism; prefigures mother’s death and end of magical connection.
