C HINESE C INDERELLA – T HEMES Y R 12 ESL N AME : ___________ How do the main themes in Chinese Cinderella contribute to the construction of the invited reading? Adeline Yen Mah has used three major themes in the construction of the invited reading of Chinese Cinderella. The reader is positioned to respond to these issues in a particular way.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THEME? HOW IS IT USED TO CONSTRUCT THE INVITED READING? The first major issue in Chinese Cinderella is family and relationships. Adeline is ignored by her own family and blamed for her mother’s death. Her siblings feel the family situation is her fault. Adeline does have some close relationships (Aunt Baba and YeYe) these two people have little power in her life. She is only acknowledged by her father through her school performance and most times is barely acknowledged and rarely appreciated.

H OW DOES THIS THEME POSITON THE READER ? This theme is used to position the readers to feel sympathy towards Adeline. Although she tried hard, did the right thing and succeeded in school, she was not respected in her family. This makes the readers frustrated and angry towards the people who mistreated her, therefore, it supports the invited reading.

E XAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL TO SUPPORT THIS THEME Page/sExamples of the theme of Family and Relationships P1Positive reaction of Aunt Baba to her class medal Ch 2Description of family

WHAT IS THE SECOND THEME? HOW IS IT USED TO CONSTRUCT THE INVITED READING? The second major issue is abandonment and loneliness. Adeline has a close relationship with only Aunt Baba and even their contact is limited when Adeline is sent to boarding school. She is almost forgotten by her family. Adeline often feels left out of things with her siblings and instead of receiving congratulations for her school effort, she receives their ridicule. The loneliness Adeline felt at home was also felt at school. It was difficult for her to develop friendships because she could not tell them the truth about her family.

H OW DOES THIS THEME POSITON THE READER ? This theme also supports the invited reading that Adeline is an innocent victim and we should feel sympathy for her. The readers feel Adeline’s loneliness and are encouraged to understand how sad it is when her family treats her badly. Readers are also encouraged to consider how her family’s treatment makes it difficult for her to develop friendships.

E XAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL TO SUPPORT THIS THEME Page/sExamples of the theme of Abandonment and Loneliness P 17No family to congratulate her on winning school prize P No-one even noticed she had not come home from school

WHAT IS THE THIRD THEME? HOW IS IT USED TO CONSTRUCT THE INVITED READING? The third theme in this book is good vs evil. Adeline has many hurdles and challenges in her life but she remains a respectful and obedient girl throughout all of these trials. She is depicted as being a loyal and honest person even when she could have made her life easier if she had chosen the different path.

H OW DOES THIS THEME POSITON THE READER ? The invited reading of Adeline as being a pure and innocent character, is maintained by this theme. The readers are encouraged to admire Adeline’s choices to remain loyal to Aunt Baba and to be respectful and caring toward YeYe.

E XAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL TO SUPPORT THIS THEME Page/sExamples of the theme of Good vs Evil P Adeline’s honesty and big sister’s betrayal of Aunt Baba Ch 13Niang’s cruelty vs Adeline’s friends’ kindness