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Chapter Twenty
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
Phnom Penh’s streets are busy and crowded as Sang Ly, Ki, and Nisay make their way to the bus station. They arrive early, and sit on the ground to eat a bit of rice. An old woman asks Sang Ly to help her find the right bus, and Sang Ly does, using her ability to read. As she sits, Sang Ly watches an old man with a stack of books digging through a garbage can, and she is struck by the clash of her own desires, both to read the books and to dig through the trash with him. Sang Ly thinks her grandfather gave her that thought.
Sang Ly’s newfound literacy not only benefits her, but also helps her to help others, such as the old woman, demonstrating that a person’s education can be of service to themselves as well as the people around them. At the same time, Sang Ly’s juxtaposed desire to read the beggar’s books and dig through the trash with him emphasize the conflicting aspects of her life as a trash-picker and a literate reader.
Themes
Sang Ly and Ki board the bus, which is filled with other passengers, most of whom are wealthier than them. A particularly ornery businessman in a suit complains about the lack of air conditioning. As she watches the other people, Sang Ly wonders about their personal stories, who they are, and what they feel. However, as the bus rolls onward, Nisay fusses loudly and begins to wail and the other passengers are clearly aggravated. As Sang Ly stands hiding the child in the aisle, trying to soothe him, Ki suggests that she read him a story to see if that will calm him.
Sang Ly’s realization that each person around her, even the unpleasant businessman, has their own life story suggests that her study of literature and stories about human beings is also developing her sense of empathy. Just as Sang Ly realizes there is far more to Sopeap than what appears, she also makes the same realization about other people as well, suggesting that by learning their stories, she may even learn new things about life in general.
Themes
Sang Ly opens the leather book and begins reading a short story called “Tiger Road,” about a man who goes on a vengeful hunt after his horse is killed by a tiger. After a time, Sang Ly looks up from reading aloud to realize that all the passengers in the bus are eagerly listening, and the businessman even offers her a bottle of water when he sees that her lips are dry. One of the passengers begs her to continue, and Sang Ly feels as if she is suddenly “surrounded by friends” rather than irritated strangers. Ki realizes that they are nearing their destination and may not finish the story, but one of the listening women pleads with Sang Ly to read quickly.
Sang Ly’s story draws the strangers in the bus together over simple enjoyment of an exciting tale, again demonstrating the power of literature to connect people from different backgrounds and social classes. The businessman’s sudden generosity is a marked change from his previous irritation, suggesting that even one so ornery as him may be drawn in by a good piece of literature and led to forget his own minor personal discomforts.
Themes
When the bus rolls to a stop with only a page left in the story, the businessman nobly offers to distract the driver for a few more minutes so Sang Ly can finish reading to everyone else. In the story, the hunter eventually dies in his pursuit, though he kills the tiger and its family. The other passengers thank Sang Ly as she steps off the bus, and as she passes the businessman, he presses a wad of money into her hand in gratitude for making the bus ride so enjoyable. As Sang Ly counts the money with Ki after the bus drives off, they realize they can now afford the journey home, with extra to spare.
Again, the businessman’s repeated generosity, both in stalling the driver and giving Sang Ly money as thanks, demonstrates that a person’s initial appearance and demeanor do not give an accurate reflection of their true character. Like Sopeap, at first the businessman seemed self-centered, demanding, and rude. But the simple gift of a story draws out his kindness, generosity, and nobility, revealing a rich—though initially hidden—character.
Themes
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