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Chapter Ten
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Rent Collector, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Power of Literature
Appearances, Judgment, and Hidden Character
Heroism and Self-Sacrifice
Hope and Action
Humor and Resilience
Summary
Analysis
After three days, Sopeap has not returned, and Sang Ly’s nerves are at their limit from worrying about Maly. She decides to enlist the help of her mother Lena, who is proud of her for doing what’s right and promises to think up a solution. When Sopeap finally arrives with another lesson, she seems healthier and friendlier than ever before, even though she is still demanding. This time, she explains to Sang Ly that “literature should be loved.” Regardless of the life lessons it contains, none of it will make a difference if the reader does not remember to enjoy what they are reading.
Like Sang Ly, Lena proves herself to be virtuous and brave as well in her concern for Maly’s safety and desire to protect her. Sopeap’s efforts towards sobriety and improved health suggests that her hard demeanor and lifestyle are slowly beginning to change. Just Sopeap has had a positive impact on Sang Ly’s life, it appears that Sang Ly’s companionship has benefitted Sopeap in return. Sopeap’s sudden expression that “literature should be loved” suggests not only that her affection for literature is returning, but that it plays and important role in her positive change.
Themes
When Ki arrives home, having spent the afternoon trying to convince the other trash-pickers to stand up to the gangs, Sang Ly expects him to be bitter or frustrated, but he is instead quite pleased with himself. He has convinced two other men, as well as Lena, to take a stand. Sang Ly still fears Ki will get himself killed, but he insists that there is a “time and place for defending yourself […] with a knife.” Despite their disagreement, they are still amiable.
Although Ki’s interest in his knife as a symbol of power carries a dark tone, the desire that underlies it to protect himself and his family is treated as a reasonable and just, even though Sang Ly fears what the consequences will be. Sang Ly and Ki’s good standing in spite of their disagreement suggest that they have a strong and resilient relationship.
Themes
Sang Ly enjoys learning, but also frets about leaving Nisay with Teva Mao so often; she feels as if she is not being enough of a mother. However, Sopeap assures her that education is always a good thing. It will benefit Nisay as well, since it helps one to understand their “place in the world” and is a “handbook for the art of being human.” However, literature will also raise many new questions about one’s purpose and path through life, since “every story […] is about us, in one way or another.” Sopeap hands Sang Ly a Cambodian story about a girl in a difficult situation, and Sang Ly feels certain that this gesture means Sopeap knows about Maly.
Sopeap’s insistence that literature is a benefit to anyone regardless of their role or position in the world—since it will help them understand where they fit—suggests another aspect of the power of literature is its universality. Whether one is rich or poor, he or she is still trying to survive in the world as a human being, and thus literature can serve as a “handbook” for humanity holds value to every person, regardless of their circumstances. It bears no prejudice or favoritism.
Themes
