Aunt See Moon Orchid Brave Orchid Hong

Brave Orchid, Maxine's mother, tells stories like no other person can. Her "talk stories" lull her children to sleep with visions of mythical characters, historical fact, family tales, and legendary heroes and heroines. At the beginning of The Woman Warrior, Brave Orchid warns Maxine about the sins of adultery through her story of her husband's sister. Because this unmarried sister became pregnant- and ultimately, committed suicide-the family never speaks of her or even acknowledges her life. The sister brought disgrace to the family, and Brave Orchid cautions Maxine to keep silent about her knowledge, and more importantly, to avoid the same mistake.

Brave Orchid's own story begins in China, after her husband has left for America. She is a pretty young woman with naturally curly hair, thick eyebrows, and full lips. Her eyes have a direct and serious gaze. A strong person...