Writing

For Chung, writing symbolizes a source of introspection and peace amidst the chaos of unanswered questions surrounding her adoption. Early on in her memoir, Chung retreats to writing as a means of distraction and cathartic expression. When Chung finally meets with her birth father, writing further symbolizes a bridge between father and daughter. Although Chung and her birth father had very little in common, their shared love for writing is symbolic for their blood-relation, a passion that was passed down generations. Writing serves as a bridge between Chung and her father, transcending the distance created from years of deception and misunderstanding

Hair

Chung’s hair symbolizes her frustration with her physical identity as a Korean-American. Throughout the novel, Chung’s straight, black hair is brought up repeatedly as a reference to her Koreanness juxtaposed against the “beautiful” blond hair Chung desperately yearns for. In a particularly emotionally-charged...