How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I heard Mom go to bed. Lying in the darkness with my eyes open, I could not stop imagining all the horrors that could result from this letter. I was scared, and I did not know what to do. (16.9)
Even though she knows the letter is bad news, Ji-li isn't sure what to do about it—it's a tough pill to swallow, but it's clear that she's out of good options. If she does nothing, she lives in fear, but if she fesses up about the letter, she's worried what will happen to her family. Like we said, fear all around.
Quote #8
The worry of tomorrow haunted me constantly. I worried that Grandma would be sent to the countryside, as other landlords had been, and would be punished by the farmers there. I worried that Mom would be detained for attempting to help Dad. I worried that Dad would be beaten to death for his stubbornness. I worried that Ji-yong's temper would get him in trouble, and that Ji-yun would be so frightened that she would never laugh again. Worst of all, I worried that by not hiding the letter well enough, I had ruined our lives forever. (17.7)
Poor Ji-li can't catch a break. As she talks about her fears, it becomes clear that she's scared for everyone she loves. Check out the word "haunted." It's as though she's being followed around by her fear, ghost style. No matter what she does, Ji-li can't shake the looming fear that she feels.
Quote #9
I had promised to take care of my family, and I would renew that promise every day. I could not give up or withdraw, no matter how hard life became. I would hide my tears and my fear for Mom and Grandma's sake. (17.17)
Strong and forthright, Ji-li knows she can't be broken by fear. We love what she says about hiding away her fears for her family. It doesn't matter whether she's scared or not—all that matters is that she doesn't let her fears dictate how she acts. Otherwise, she's no longer in control.