Native Speaker

by

Chang-rae Lee

Henry’s Mother Character Analysis

Henry’s mother was a Korean woman who immigrated to the United States with Henry’s father. She died when Henry was just 11 years old, and he didn’t have time to mourn her death: his father quickly moved on with life and made it clear that he and his son shouldn’t dwell in sorrow.

Henry’s Mother Quotes in Native Speaker

The Native Speaker quotes below are all either spoken by Henry’s Mother or refer to Henry’s Mother . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Identity and Multiculturalism Theme Icon
).
Chapter 22 Quotes

She would have called John Kwang a fool long before any scandal ever arose. She would never have understood why he needed more than the money he made selling dry-cleaning equipment. He had a good wife and strong boys. What did he want from this country? Didn’t he know he could only get so far with his face so different and broad? He should have had ambition for only his little family.

Related Characters: Henry Park (speaker), John Kwang, Henry’s Mother
Page Number: 333
Explanation and Analysis:
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Henry’s Mother Quotes in Native Speaker

The Native Speaker quotes below are all either spoken by Henry’s Mother or refer to Henry’s Mother . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Identity and Multiculturalism Theme Icon
).
Chapter 22 Quotes

She would have called John Kwang a fool long before any scandal ever arose. She would never have understood why he needed more than the money he made selling dry-cleaning equipment. He had a good wife and strong boys. What did he want from this country? Didn’t he know he could only get so far with his face so different and broad? He should have had ambition for only his little family.

Related Characters: Henry Park (speaker), John Kwang, Henry’s Mother
Page Number: 333
Explanation and Analysis: