Adeline Yen Mah's Chinese Cinderella

Adeline suffered an abusive and mentally destructive life with only two people by her side to help. Aunt Baba and her grandfather,YeYe, supported her and inspired her into who she is today. In the memoir, Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah, Adeline needs Aunt Baba more than Aunt Baba needs her because she is neglected by Niang and Father, she doesn't like Niang, the boss of the family, and she doesn't have anyone else to love her. Adeline is very insecure and Aunt Baba is the only person who loves her. Adeline isn't loved and is neglected by her family except for Aunt Baba and YeYe. For example, she was kicked out of Father’s house in Shanghai. “ ‘What does it look like I'm doing? Your Niang has ordered me to pack your clothes and

Adeline often wishes she had a different mother and hopes things will change. “I closed my eyes and made him a promise. I didn't dare say it out loud, but I wished very hard over and over, It’s bound to get better. One day things will be different. Life won't go on like this forever. I don't know when, how or what, but I'll come and rescue you from this, I promise!” (Yen Mah 159). Adeline prays and wishes that her life and YeYe’s will be better one day and that maybe her family will be nicer to her. Adeline doesn't think Niang and Father are caring to her because of all the bad things Niang had done to her. “I told myself, The danger is very real. Niang loathes me. As for Father, he doesn't really care. He hardly knows I exist, remembering neither my name nor my date of birth. To him, I don't matter.” Adeline thinks her parents think of her and how she feels about them. Her opinion strongly affects their relationship, which is another reason why they don't get along. Adeline thinks they are harsh and violent parents. “When he questioned me I could not lie. He ordered me to lie facedown on my bed and whipped me. As I lay there trembling with pain and shame, I saw a rat scurrying across the floor, it's bright and alert and its long tail trailing behind. I almost screamed in terror but bit my lip and remained silent throughout the punishment.” (Yen Mah 104). This shows how her

Aunt Baba has Adeline's back no matter what. “‘Will you always be my aunt?’ ‘Of course!’ She hugged me. ‘Will you write to me every week?’ ‘Yes! And twice a week if you write to me too!’ ‘For always?’ ‘For as long as you in Tianjin.’ She hugged me again. ‘And even after that, for as long as you’ll remember me.’” (Yen Mah 122). Aunt Baba is always loyal to Adeline no matter how far away they are. Aunt Baba treats Adeline with respect and kindness always and will help her with anything. “My aunt and I share a room. She is my best friend and cares about me in every way. Not only about my hair, my clothes and how I look; but also about my studies, my thoughts, and what I am. Though I am really nothing, she makes me believe I am special. When I get a good report card, she locks it in her safe deposit box, and wears the key around her neck even when she sleeps, as if my grades were her most cherished treasure.” (Yen Mah 52). Aunt Baba loves Adeline as if she was her own true mother. Aunt Baba supports Adeline especially when Niang and Father do not. “The truth was that as I had heard Aunt Baba’s footsteps, I had started feeling better immediately. Knowing there was someone who cared for me and believed in me had revived my spirit. So we chattered happily about this and that until dinner time.” (Yen Mah 79). Adeline is lucky to have someone who loves her and is very grateful for