Di often calls Hai a coward. What kinds of bravery does each character exhibit? How does each character’s bravery (or lack thereof) shape the family’s story?
The author developed characters that stayed true to themselves while becoming stronger personalities. Di was about Di. Hai wasn’t a coward but seemed to mull issues longer rather than react as swiftly like Di. The stresses of surviving and adjusting to lesser and lesser increased their resiliency to succeed.
Di takes risks to nourish herself and Hai survives serious torture and still can think of others.
Hai seems to be the brave one. She was blamed for her family’s wealth when in fact she was not really at fault. Her own family (father and in-laws) deserted her. She basically lived in poverty yet didn’t deny her Ang family. Hai was loyal, brave, supportive of family while Di seems to be all about herself. She was brave enough to take risks if those risks were a benefit to her personally. She didn’t even want to share the eggs or other food she was able to acquire.
Di is fearless and brusque. She opposes her mother and sister. Her daring manner drives the family forward. Her impatience and rebelliousness often force decisions that move them toward survival. Her unwillingness to be passive foils Hai’s cautious approach. Hai’s courage is quiet, not cowardly. She exhibits inner strength, especially when enduring brutality in place of her father. She endures hardship and hunger with patience and dignity. She sacrifices personal desires for the good of the family. Even while displaced and persecuted, her pursuit of education reflects a long view of the future.
Hai’s strength anchors the family. Her survival-oriented thinking, discipline, and loyalty help the women endure long-term challenges.