Essay Questions

What are some feminist aspects of this text?

Mei Lan reveals that her toes were broken on one of her feet, after she had her feet bound. In Chinese culture, women traditionally bind their feet in order to make them appear smaller and more feminine. However, this often resulted in extreme pain and broken toes for the women who practiced it. As such, Yen Mah is inviting us to question this practice. Mei Lan reveals that her broken toes are an insecurity for her, as she believes they are not beautiful. Here we see that although the practice was intended to improve her beauty, she believes she is less beautiful because of it.

Mei Lan also takes issue with the idea of being married, as it is not something she wants to do. She says that she would rather become a Buddhist nun.

What is the significance of paintings in Along the River?

The painting Along the River at Qing Ming is a central motif in the novel. The painting is found in a history book by CC, who finds it strangely familiar. Seeing the painting makes CC have strange and bizarre dreams about the origins and inspirations of the painting.

In the dreamlike story, Ah Zhao gifts his painting Along the River to Gege. He gifts Mei Lan another painting, which he says only she can understand. The painting is inspired by their insecurities, and includes Mei Lan's broken food, and Ah Zhao's big nose. Ah Zhao expresses his admiration and compassion for the characters through his art.