“Chinese Cinderella is dedicated to you (unwanted children) with the fervent wish that you will persist in trying to do your best in the face of hopelessness; to have faith in the end your spirit will prevail; to transcend your abuse and transform it into a source of courage, creativity and compassion.” (Yen Mah xii) Adeline Yen Mah’s memoir of her childhood was influential as she overcame hardships and burdens; finding hope in difficult situations. The story was inspirational because Adeline maintained her dedication and was able to succeed in school and life, despite having a harsh stepmother and a family who paid little attention to her. The novel was inspirational because Adeline kept her dignity and found ways to cope despite her
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Aunt Baba and Ye Ye did care about her grades and supported her by telling Adeline that she had a life in front of her and that she could succeed. For example, her grandfather told her, “Create your own destiny! Your Ye Ye is is old now and his days numbered. Who knows how long we have to talk like this? But no matter what happens, always remember my hopes are with you. Trust me! One day you’ll show the whole world what you are made of.” (Yen Mah 182) For many years, Father didn’t take notice of Adeline’s school success. When Adeline won an international playwriting competition, her Father actually realized how successful she was at school. “He looked radiant. For once he was proud of me. In front of his revered colleague, C.Y. Tung, a prominent businessman also from Shanghai, I had given him face. I thought, Is this the big moment I have been waiting for? My whole being vibrated with all the joy in the world. I only had to stretch out my hand to reach the stars.” (Yen Mah 192). Finally, Father noticed Adeline’s hard work and dedication and acknowledged her great worth in the family.
Adeline Yen Mah displayed true perseverance and persistence in Chinese Cinderella. Her childhood was unpleasant with parents that did not show any attention to her life and future. However, she sought encouragement from others and sustained hope, which allowed her to excel in academics. The story was inspirational as Adeline Yen Mah managed to continue hard work, display creativity, and accomplish both academic and personal achievements in the face of neglect and
Aunt Baba and Ye Ye did care about her grades and supported her by telling Adeline that she had a life in front of her and that she could succeed. For example, her grandfather told her, “Create your own destiny! Your Ye Ye is is old now and his days numbered. Who knows how long we have to talk like this? But no matter what happens, always remember my hopes are with you. Trust me! One day you’ll show the whole world what you are made of.” (Yen Mah 182) For many years, Father didn’t take notice of Adeline’s school success. When Adeline won an international playwriting competition, her Father actually realized how successful she was at school. “He looked radiant. For once he was proud of me. In front of his revered colleague, C.Y. Tung, a prominent businessman also from Shanghai, I had given him face. I thought, Is this the big moment I have been waiting for? My whole being vibrated with all the joy in the world. I only had to stretch out my hand to reach the stars.” (Yen Mah 192). Finally, Father noticed Adeline’s hard work and dedication and acknowledged her great worth in the family.
Adeline Yen Mah displayed true perseverance and persistence in Chinese Cinderella. Her childhood was unpleasant with parents that did not show any attention to her life and future. However, she sought encouragement from others and sustained hope, which allowed her to excel in academics. The story was inspirational as Adeline Yen Mah managed to continue hard work, display creativity, and accomplish both academic and personal achievements in the face of neglect and