Write a well-developed paragraph (8-12 sentences) explaining why the symbol you selected fits the story "paper megenarie" and reflects the character/theme/conflict appropriately. Use specific examples from the story to support your interpretation.

Answer 1

In the story "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu, the paper crane represents both the character's struggle with identity and the theme of cultural assimilation. The main character, Jack, is the son of a Chinese mother and an American father. Throughout the story, he struggles with his mixed identity and his inability to fully connect with either side of his heritage. The paper crane is a physical representation of Jack's mixed identity, as it is a combination of his Chinese mother's culture and his American father's love for origami. Jack's mother creates the paper crane for him, breathing life into it by using her magic to make it move. This crane becomes Jack's only link to his mother's culture, as it is the only object that connects him to her in a tangible way. However, Jack's initial rejection of the crane reflects his struggle to fully embrace his Chinese heritage. He is embarrassed by his mother's displays of magic and tries to distance himself from his Chinese roots. This conflict between Jack and his mixed identity is highlighted by his strained relationship with his mother and his eventual realization of the importance of embracing both sides of his heritage. Thus, the symbolism of the paper crane mirrors Jack's journey of self-discovery and the theme of cultural assimilation in the story.