In the autobiography "The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts", an ordinary bird symbol is used frequently throughout the chapter "White Tigers" and occasionally in the chapter "Shaman." A symbol is an object that represents an abstract idea and allows the readers to visualize the idea, implementing a stronger concept and impression of the idea in the readers' minds. In this presentation, I will be looking at how Maxine Hong Kingston explores the bird symbol, the functions of the bird symbol and the themes associated with the symbol of the bird.

Explanation of the Bird Symbol in Traditional Chinese Culture

Traditionally, in the Chinese culture, the bird symbolizes long life and freedom. The bird symbolizing long life draws a parallel with the wisdom and experience that comes with old age, such as with the old couple. The Chinese use the bird as a symbol of freedom...