Chinese Cinderella Theme

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Depression is like being trapped in a box and not being able to find a way out. Adeline is
treated unfairly by the whole family, is abused by her parents and isn’t allowed to invite anybody over or go to anybody’s house. In this novel, Chinese Cinderella, the author Adeline Yen Mah writes the story as very depressing.

Adeline is told that she isn’t allowed to go over to anybody’s house, or invite anybody
over by her parents. “You are not to invite any of your friends home, or to visit the, in their houses.” (Mah 25) When Adeline moved into her new house, Niang and Father gave her a set of rules. One of the rules were that the children weren't allowed to go anywhere or invite anybody. “ ‘I never asked them here. They know I'm not allowed …show more content…

“I’d feel a stab of anguish because I was
always the one excluded.” (Mah 41) Shows that her parents always leave her out. They always asks everybody else to come down to their room, but never her. “I got a basic brown smock made from materials left over from one of Big Sisters garments. Fourth brother, however, received a stylish western outfit with a Peter Pan collar and matching tie and belt, while Little Sister acquired a fashionable knitted pink dress bedecked with ribbons and bows.” (Mah 42,43) This proves that she wasn't cared for or worth the efforts of making nice clothing. All they gave her was scraps from Big Sister’s dress. Adeline was very hurt.

During her childhood, Adeline was abused, verbally and physically. “ No matter what you
consider yourself to be, you are nothing without your father. Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!” (Mah 117) These words that Niang used to speak with Adeline shows that she verbally abused her. She always told her she can’t be anything or that she's worthless and nothing. “She slapped my face so hard I almost fell.” (Mah 114) Here, this proves Adeline being physically abused by her stepmother, Niang. In the book, Adeline was slapped several times and was whipped by her father

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