1. Figurative Language:
* Metaphors: Mah frequently uses metaphors to describe her emotions and experiences. For example, she compares her father's love to a "precious jade ornament," emphasizing its beauty and value but also its fragility.
* Similes: She uses similes to vividly illustrate her experiences, such as comparing her stepmother's anger to "a raging fire" or her own feelings of isolation to "a lone tree standing in a vast desert."
* Personification: Mah brings inanimate objects to life through personification, such as when she describes her room as "a cold and unwelcoming space" or her shoes as "sad and lonely."
2. Literary Techniques:
* Foreshadowing: Mah uses subtle hints throughout the story to foreshadow future events. For example, her early descriptions of her stepmother's coldness foreshadow the hardships she will face later.
* Symbolism: Certain objects and actions hold symbolic meaning in the story. For example, the jade ornament gifted by her father represents his love, while the "new" shoes given to her by her stepmother symbolize the forced conformity and acceptance she is expected to embody.
* Irony: There are instances of dramatic irony throughout the story, where the reader is aware of information that the characters are not. This creates tension and suspense, leaving the reader wondering how the characters will react to the revelations that unfold.
* Flashback: The narrative utilizes flashbacks to provide context for the events in the story. Mah delves into her past to explain her relationship with her family and the events that shaped her.
* Imagery: Mah uses vivid sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. She paints pictures with words, describing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of her world.
3. Narrative Structure:
* First-person narration: The story is told from Adeline's perspective, providing a deeply personal and intimate look into her experiences. This perspective allows the reader to understand her emotions and motivations.
* Chronological structure: The narrative generally follows a chronological order, allowing the reader to experience Adeline's journey from childhood to adulthood.
* Non-linear narrative: While the story generally follows a chronological order, there are moments where the narrative jumps back and forth in time, creating a more complex and nuanced understanding of Adeline's life.
By employing these literary devices, Adeline Yen Mah effectively conveys the complexities of her life, the challenges she faced, and the resilience she exhibited. These devices contribute to the emotional impact and literary depth of "Chinese Cinderella."