How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I had many beautiful dreams. I dreamed of being an actress, holding bunches of flowers, bowing again and again to answer curtain calls. Until now I had never doubted that I could achieve anything I wanted. The future had been full of infinite possibilities. Now I was no longer sure that was still true. (1.79)
Poor Ji-li. She used to be full of hope and promise, but now she doesn't know what to hope for. It might seem a little dramatic for not getting into a dance troupe, but it's more about what it represents to her: She's worried that everything she's worked hard for in her life will be taken away.
Quote #2
I thought about my beautiful dreams and wondered if they would drift away just like those lovely soap bubbles. (1.81)
We love the idea of bubbles. First of all, bubbles are something little kids like to play with, which suggests that Ji-li's dreams were all a little kid-like or naïve. Then we think about the transient nature of bubbles. They pop and fade very quickly, just like all of Ji-li's dreams.
Quote #3
"Shi-yi…?" My dream! In spite of everything it was coming true! "That's right," she said. "You looked like you needed some good news to cheer you up." She patted me on the head and turned toward the office building. (5.16)
Phew. Here Ji-li was worried about her life being over, but her dreams can still come true. Yay. Of course, sometimes dreams are too good to be true… We'd like to now draw your attention to the next quote.