Ties that bind, Ties that Break by Lensey Namioka illustrates a great change in the main character throughout the novel. Ailin becomes a much stronger person mentally as she gains the potential to stand up for herself. At an early age, Ailin becomes more and more independant. Ailin says “ At home things have changed. Father spent less time with us, for his work was very demanding” ( Naimoka 55). She learns not only to take care of herself alone, but to make big decisions, like having unbound feet and staying in America, independently. One of her main obstacles in the way of not getting her feet bound is Big Uncle. He is disgusted at the fact that she does not have her feet bound and demands, with his authority in the house, for her to get
