At the end of the journey the hero realizes they must live in the moment in order to be truly happy. If one excessively desires and/or fears, they restrain themselves from satisfying their current needs. However, the hero should live freely without worrying about death because the best part of human life is our mortality. Therefore, Kingston values herself and rejects certain Chinese traditions, loving on her own without a husband or children. She breaks stereotypes pushed by her family and becomes a contemporary Fa Mulan or “female avenger” of those who treat minorities without respect and dignity. On the other hand, Rahel and Estha finally properly grieve and come to terms with their tragic past, obliterating their guilt and remorse.
