The Assistant Uniform

All the Assistants wear the same uniform that identifies their role in the society of An Lung. Sai notes that the uniforms are the same for all apprentices, meaning they should all be on the same level, but there are small details that set the wealthy and privileged apart even when they are all wearing the same clothing, such as dirty shoes or unkempt hair.

The Lineal

The lineal is a set of links that form a chain to symbolize the family status of each individual. The lineal is vital for opportunities in the Mangkon social structure. Early in the novel, Sai feels that getting a lineal of her own would open all the doors necessary to have a better life. By the time she returns from her voyage, some people are working to change the social structure so that lineals are no longer...