Di is often portrayed as selfish. When she’s caught stealing the Zhang family’s eggs, she defends herself saying she’s “adapting.” What do you think of her actions here and elsewhere in the book?
I think Di acted like a typical preteen, especially one with an older responsible sister, and two much younger siblings. Despite the family dynamics, she didn’t feel “seen” so she did things that made her happy. Her behavior highlighted her creativity and resourcefulness, which actually came in handy at times.
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She was trying to survive. Unfortunately thinking about herself first.
I have to admit Di was my favorite character. I think she was determined to survive, even at the cost of the rest of her family. Yes, she was selfish, but if I’d had to place money on which person would make it through to the other side, it have been Di.
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She seems to have a bit of her grandmother in her.
I agree, Di was selfish but as a child she had already experienced a lot. Also, she had seen how her mother’s actions of humility and hard work were not appreciated by her husband and mother-in-law but instead these actions were taken for granted.
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Right? Di didn’t develop in a vacuum. She was a product of what she saw and experienced around her.
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I agree with you Joyce_Montague. You said it perfectly.
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I think Di was one of the more interesting characters in the book. I loved how Hai described her as
“a firecracker in a society in which restraint was a virtue.”
Later in the book, Hai reflects,
“I used to think she was manipulative and shameless, but now I saw her for what she truly was–a girl who who had been forced to grow up too rapidly and mercilessly. Where others might have crumbled under the pressure, Di had become an iron rod, trading her soulful voice for a suit of armor … a warrior girl who’d replaced by songbird sister.”
When comparing her own relationship with her mother–one “constantly reinforced by mutual care and sacrifice”–to Di’s familial relationships, Hai wonders if it wasn’t possible for Di to have that type of relationship, or if Di didn’t want to. Hai concludes,
“Love binds you to people, and if there was anything that Di truly needed, it was freedom–a freedom that I envied, without understanding until now that it also came at a cost.”
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So many great replies, that I have little to add. I will say I agree with those posting above and that Di learned very early how women and girls were considered a burden and what her life ahead most likely held for her. She was a survivor and I do wish the novel would have included more about her at the end.
Di was also the classic middle child in many ways. She also needed to be a survivor and helped all the family even if she was a bit selfish.
I agree — Di was my favorite character. When she was involved, the story became more interesting and thought provoking.
Di was selfish but also a survivor. She couldn’t accept the status quo - hunger, cultural traditions. Yes, she used her manipulative skills to get ahead. She wanted a better life and at the end of story she achieved her dreams.
I agree with what others have said about Di that she was selfish but a survivor but who did she have to look up to achieve her dreams.
Di reminded me of a typical rebellious, self-centered adolescent. Her actions were a threat to the survival of the family.
I also have to agree what others have said about Di being selfish but she had her reasons basically survival.
The other readers have responded thoroughly and I agree. The one aspect of Di I had a problem with is that her survival led to a heartbreaking adulthood. The very traits that gave her individual survival also led to her downfall. I had hoped of a better life for her.
I was annoyed with her at first, but I realized she was trying to survive her way. I don’t think I would have done that, but it’s hard to know.
Karen, I love your response to this. Hai’s understanding and attitude toward her sister Di changed over time through their experiences. As others have also mentioned, Di did what she felt she needed to do to survive, and responded to her circumstances as a child who was forced to grow up way too soon.
@Kathy_Downey Thank you. I agree with the others as well. It would have been very interesting to have had Di’s perspective.