Themes

Question 1

“If you had not been born, Mama would still be alive. She died because of you. You are bad luck!” (Page 3)

Answer 1

Self-esteem because the reader feels very sorry for Adeline and it is easy to see why she doesn’t feel good about herself and carries guilt if she is constantly spoken to in this way?

Question 2

“I was overjoyed! Not only had Niang finally acknowledged me, but she had given me a task to perform!” (Page 169)

Answer 2

Family/Relationships because it shows that something as small as words can make her feel extremely happy.

Question 3

“Continue studying hard and bring honour to the Yen family name so we can be proud of you. “ (Page 11)

Answer 3

Family/Relationships because the only way her father will notice her is by getting good grades.

Question 4

“Unlike my siblings, no-one looked down on me.” (Refers to people at school) (Page 14)

Answer 4

Family/Relationships because she doesn’t think her family cares for her and people that don’t know her care about her more.

Question 5

“One by one they were greeted and lead away by anxious mothers. Nobody came for me.” (Page 30)

Answer 5

Family/Relationships because it shows that no-one cares for her.

Question 6

“In no time at all big sister went over to the other side. I knew Niang loathed me and despised my aunt.” (Page 59)

Answer 6

Family/Relationships because it shows that the group of siblings had been torn apart because big sister was the oldest and could control everyone else.

Question 7

“They didn’t know that, in front of them, I was desperate to keep up the pretence that I came from a normal, loving family.” (Page 63)

Answer 7

Abandonment/Loneliness because she couldn’t tell anyone what was actually happening in her life leaving her with no-one to talk to about it.

Question 8

“I took the duckling to my heart…it comforted me to know I was needed.” (Page 84)

Answer 8

Abandonment/Loneliness because she had nobody but the duckling as a close friend.

Question 9

“…does he truly hate me or is he just going along with her because he loves her more and wants a peaceful life?” (Page 133)

Answer 9

Self-esteem because she is telling herself that he loves her less therefor not as special.

Question 10

“The thought of being separated from my aunt filled me with dread.” (Page 131)

Answer 10

Loneliness/Abandonment because without her aunt she would have nobody to be with.

Question 11

“I don’t want her to grow up like Big Sister. She is going to be different.” (Page 122)

Answer 11

Family/Relationships because it shows that not everyone hates her.

Question 12

“For the first time she was nice to me and I felt very close to her.” (Page 104)

Answer 12

Family/Relationships because in her whole life she only saw someone be nice to her once.

Question 13

“Nothing will ever come of you…you don’t belong in this house.” (Page 113)

Answer 13

Family/Relationships because she is practically being kicked out of the family house.

Question 14

“As soon as I heard Aunt Baba’s footsteps, I started felling better immediately.” (Page 91)

Answer 14

Family/Relationships because it shows that no-one in the whole house makes her feel comfortable.

Question 15

“I only took yours because you’re the one least likely to give me trouble afterwards.” (Page 97)

Answer 15

Family/Relationships because everyone in the house and more is cruel to her but no matter what happens, she is still hiding how she feels.

Question 16

“I was winning the medal every week and wearing it constantly. I knew this displeased my siblings, especially Big Sister and Third Brother, but it was the only way to make father notice and be proud of me.”

Answer 16

Family/Relationships because Adeline has to displease someone to please someone