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Literary Devices
Flashbacks
Explanation and Analysis—Importance of Talking:
Near the end of the story, Mr. Shi's flashback underscores the importance of talking. When his daughter reveals that she knew of his affair and job demotion, Mr. Shi is dumbfounded. When he admits the truth to Madam, his flashback makes him reflect:
“Once you started talking, you talked more and more. It was different than going home and talking to your wife because you didn't have to hide anything. ...but we weren't having an affair as they said. We were never in love," Mr. Shi says, and then, for a short moment, is confused by his own words. What kind of love is he talking about? Surely they were in love, not the love they were suspected of having—he always kept a respectful distance.... But a love in which they talked freely, a love in which their minds touched—wasn’t it love, too?
Mr. Shi struggled under the secrecy of his job. The confidentiality drove him to have an emotional affair with Yilan, which caused distance between him and his family. Mr. Shi's flashback gives the reader more context about his job and allows for more sympathy and understanding. The flashback shows that, regardless of cultural differences, communication is critical to a relationship.
The flashback to his conversations with Yilan also makes Mr. Shi realize that he had indeed loved Yilan. Questioning himself, he realizes that talking and love are intertwined. His flashback and reflection remind him of his daughter's affair, and he recognizes that he and his daughter are not so different in this aspect. The flashback causes Mr. Shi to be more understanding towards his daughter's divorce.
Related Themes:
