Comment on language / style

aila Ibrahim’s writing uses lyrical but simple language, with certain phrases or motifs repeated over and over again. It reflects Mei Ling’s religious roots in Confucianism and her simple education. For example, her religion involves a lot of prayer which Mei Ling directs in the same manner every time. She repeats phrases such as “May she be safe from all harm. May she be free from all suffering. May she know joy” (146) time and again as a form of prayer, in this case directed towards her sister, Jah Jeh, but at other moments directed towards her husband, Siew, Bo, her family, or someone else she cares about. The language in Mei Ling’s prayers is never elaborate, but is precise and clearly reflects someone well-versed in Confucian thought and prayer. The rhythmic chanting of Mei Ling’s prayers is evoked by Ibrahim at other times, too, for example when Mei Ling must strengthen her resolve to be a good wife, she says, “I will be strong. I will create harmony” (132).