Depiction of a Strong Bond with Grandmother in The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy

Introduction to the Novel and Author

The Jade Peony is a collection of short stories narrated by three siblings- Jook-Liang, Jung-Sum, and Sek-Lung. It is in Sek-Lung's point of view. The three siblings are Chinese Canadians and live in the Chinatown of Vancouver. The novel depicts the struggle and cultural identity of the Chinese-Canadian community. With some form of abruptness and a grasp of fictional voice, the narrative ventures into behavior that unsettles me, of charm that can be mistaken for insincerity. As a professional reader holding actually interesting novels, I see a narrative voice that has grown out of the best contemporary authors, all of whom get the balance over sheer fascination of story and surprising depth of theme. While the old time favors or fallings of publishers matter in little ways to agents and authors, they don't matter at all to readers. Only occasionally do I base a reading choice from a publisher's back advance, designating certain publishers as being frequently first in signally interesting fiction. I consider certain publishers reliable indicators of superb fiction and I value the time in my reading schedule such novels require and deserve. My lit novel schedule, designed to electrify my book discussions, really needs a buffer between various topics and the familiar pride in a land after death. I want readers of books to follow with works of real depth and cause.

Exploration of the Grandmother-Grandchild Relationship

There are numerous occasions that showcase the extremely close and enjoyable bond that the grandmother has with her three grandchildren in the tale. The first incident is when the grandmother plays with Sek-Lung to bring him to bed. On this night, the grandmother and Sek-Lung share their secret neither by speaking about their fears nor by reasoning them out. They manage to exorcize or banish the Pillow Spirits merely through a long, made-up, and imaginative game with a Boy Giant and his Little Friend. All night and in complete silence, as if the grandmother and Sek-Lung are privy to a magical spell, this imaginative game and this close connection banish the Pillow Spirits. Consequently, Sek-Lung finally falls asleep, ensuring the absence of the Pillow Spirits.

Next, the grandmother makes up for her lenience in allowing her two elder grandchildren ample playtime by paying devoted attention to the care of Poh-Poh's precious and only granddaughter in her hour of need. Her fears are allayed as she is consoled with the knowledge that, with Fu-Lin helping her, Poh-Poh feels that Emily needs her less and is able to let go of her feelings of incomplete grandmotherhood. Nonetheless, Poh-Poh does not set the harder challenge for herself. It is the grandmother who plays with Poh-Poh and brings joy to all the onlookers. Her sheer unselfishness in the task of bringing one of Poh-Poh's greatest unfulfilled wishes a step closer to reality is a tribute to her character. It also goes a long way toward demonstrating her connection with her charges.

Cultural Significance of the Grandmother Figure

Focusing on the cultural significance of the grandmother figure in the novel, Poh-Poh, or the grandmother, has played a very significant role in the lives of Sek-Lung, Jung-Sum, and Shun Me. Although she does not speak any Chinese, she has shared a strong relationship and a deep understanding of Chinese traditions. The language barrier does not seem to affect the bond she shares with her elderly friends, and the family members still manage to have a relationship with Poh-Poh.

Poh-Poh teaches her grandchildren important values and molds their Chinese culture as they grow. She is the guiding force and plays both the parental and grandparental roles of the other family members, which include their traditional Chinese values. Throughout the novel, Poh-Poh's guide to the lessons she teaches her family members is evident. Poh-Poh is always there for her grandchildren and comforts and accepts them under every circumstance, whether good or bad. She helps her family adjust to Canadian society by instilling in them Chinese traditions while also learning the Canadian lifestyle. The close bond between Poh-Poh and each of her three grandchildren as individuals is evident as they help her in the kitchen, encourage her to speak, and support her emotions. Poh-Poh is eager to tell all, and when she becomes frustrated and the words just will not come, she seeks solace by pouring through her old journals and photos. With deep levels of mutual trust and understanding, Poh-Poh can both criticize and praise her family. The family of three main characters and the interrelatedness of other characters into Poh-Poh keeps her as a central figure throughout the novel.

Themes of Tradition and Family in The Jade Peony

In the short story, the strong bond of the relationship with the grandmother, Poh-Poh, is illustrated through her actions. Her thoughts and beliefs in those actions that are not understood establish this strong bond. This specific portrayal of Poh-Poh teaching her new generation displays that she has many hopeful, interesting, and kind character traits.

Poh-Poh builds close relationships with each individual grandchild to enhance her teachings so that the kids would remember and respect her thoughts, beliefs, and memories. Throughout the story, we see Poh-Poh has several grandchildren, but she had three main ones. She adopted all of her grandchildren's characteristics, but they still respected her requests. She frequently taught or reminded the children how things should be done. She cherished these moments, and it shows how much she loves and misses her children.

Conclusion and Reflections on the Grandmother's Role

My grandmother can’t be in the vegetable garden, but she is in it, flowing and alive and needing a clump of mint, fifteen feet up, at the kitchen window. Although the grandmother is not actually in the garden with the children, but instead watching from a distance, through the kitchen window, and memories, as she lives on in the hearts of her family. Throughout the story, the grandmother is depicted as a major and very strong character. Her role in the family is very important, and because of her history with the family, she has managed to earn herself, as many people throughout the world do, a special title. This title is Baba, and fills her consequences with fondness and love. As these grandchildren grow up, they all will lose a part of Baba in some way, but they do all retain a feeling that she is still with them. Although the loss of Baba causes an end to her relationship, it does not end how strong an effect she has had on the family.

The grandmother is portrayed as being a practical leader for the family, and because of her willingness to help the children with their day-to-day issues, a very powerful bond forms between them. Her thinking is very non-traditional and is a very important role in the family. Grandma is very courageous and supportive to the brother she never wanted; she also learned how to deal with her possessiveness in order to help Pauline acquire her freedom. Although the grandmother dies and these bonds have not fully developed, the memories and lessons from her long life will live on to help her grandchildren in times of despair. This connection with the grandmother shows in a very real way, creates entire identities for these children, and they are all never able to escape her. Although her absence creates a deep void, the family’s ties prove to be very powerful and can actually withstand it. In conclusion, although there has been much proof given that shows that the grandchildren have a great bond with their grandmother, there is even more left to show. Their grandmother has given them many things within themselves and to themselves that have never been given or could be given by anyone else. With such a big impact, the grandmother is forever changing her grandchildren, and this is the true beauty of her relationship with the family. After learning of the grandmother and how she affected everyone in the family, it is easy to see why this bond was so strong and remained years after her death.