Na-na Character Analysis in Mao’s Last Dancer

Na-na is Li Cunxin’s paternal grandmother, the mother of his dia. She lives in the Li family commune throughout Cunxin’s childhood, supported by Dia, Fourth Uncle, and their families. Because she grew up before the Chinese Communist Party’s takeover in 1949, Na-na’s life and beliefs bear the marks of traditional Chinese culture. Her parents bound her feet, leaving her permanently disabled in her adult life. She has a strong sense of family values, loving and caring for her children, children-in-law, and grandchildren. She saves Cunsang from exposure as a baby and takes the blame when Cunxin accidentally breaks all of his niang’s precious new plates. She dies when Cunxin is eight years old and, because she retains her old religious beliefs and cultural traditions, she requests—and receives—a traditional funeral.

Na-na Character Timeline in Mao’s Last Dancer

The timeline below shows where the character Na-na appears in Mao’s Last Dancer. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...initially has the lowest status, but she quickly earns the respect of her mother-in-law (Cunxin’s na-na). Her unbound feet mean that she frequently delivers meals to the men as they work... (full context)

...on a hill near the village, hoping that some magical creature will rescue him. When Na-na finds out, she rushes on her crippled, bound feet to the hill to retrieve him.... (full context)

...then they refuse to speak to—or even look at—each other for a full week. Cunxin’s na-na tries—and fails—to mediate. Cunxin grows more and more anxious over his mother’s sadness during the... (full context)

...one of his older cousins saves him. Treats are rare; he once borrows money from Na-na for a popsicle, then sells scraps to repay what he used. He continues to sell... (full context)

Opportunity, Hard Work, and Success Theme Icon

...six of the family’s new brand plates in the fall. He sneaks next door to Na-na’s house to ask for help. She promises to take care of the situation. After all,... (full context)

One year later, Na-na dies. The family holds a traditional, three-day vigil over her body. When Cunxin asks why... (full context)

Na-na firmly believed in an afterlife, so she asked Niang and Dia to make sure that... (full context)

Na-na’s daughters wash her body and dress her in the special clothes she made in preparation... (full context)

...never seen Dia cry before this moment. Cunxin’s heart breaks as they begin to fill Na-na’s grave with dirt and he realizes he will never see her again. He and the... (full context)

One month after Na-na’s funeral, Niang suddenly falls ill. On the second night, Na-na appears in her dreams, accusing... (full context)

Cunxin starts school one year after Na-na’s death—a year later than usual because the school doesn’t have enough room for all the... (full context)

...girls wear those. Cunxin relaxes, believing he won't end up with broken feet like his na-na’s. Only later will he discover that the boys’ small, flat shoes can permanently damage his... (full context)

One morning, the entire Li clan visits Na-na’s grave. As Cunxin and Mary kow-tow, he thinks about how much he still misses his... (full context)