Chinese Cinderella

by

Adeline Yen Mah

Mother Marie Character Analysis

Mother Marie is the nun who spends the most time with Adeline when she is abandoned by her parents at the boarding school in Tianjin. Although Mother Maria initially is harsh and makes fun of Adeline for her poor English, when she discovers that Adeline has a sense of humor even in difficult circumstances, her demeanor softens.
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Mother Marie Character Timeline in Chinese Cinderella

The timeline below shows where the character Mother Marie appears in Chinese Cinderella. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 15: Boarding School in Tianjin
Physical and Emotional Abuse Theme Icon
Coming of Age and Self-Worth Theme Icon
The nuns, Mother Marie and Mother Natalie, inform Adeline that she is no longer allowed to speak Mandarin, only... (full context)
Physical and Emotional Abuse Theme Icon
Coming of Age and Self-Worth Theme Icon
...on basic addition and subtraction, rather than the algebra she had previously studied. During class, Mother Marie initially mocks Adeline’s limited English but, once Adeline proves to be quick-witted and humorous even... (full context)
Physical and Emotional Abuse Theme Icon
Coming of Age and Self-Worth Theme Icon
...one classroom. Students leave every day until, by mid-December, Adeline is the only student left. Mother Marie makes an effort to keep teaching Adeline, but she is not sure what to teach... (full context)
Physical and Emotional Abuse Theme Icon
Coming of Age and Self-Worth Theme Icon
...and 1949 arrives without fanfare. Adeline spends time making origami out of a book that Mother Marie gave her. She tries not to ask whether she has received mail too often, since... (full context)
Physical and Emotional Abuse Theme Icon
Coming of Age and Self-Worth Theme Icon
Friendship Theme Icon
One day, Mother Marie comes running up to Adeline and announces that her aunt has arrived to take her... (full context)