The jade bracelet in this story by Mary Frances Chong represents the strong bond between a young Malaysian girl and her dying grandmother. The girl’s mother has devoted herself to caring for her mother in her final years and, when the end is near, moves her to a Buddhist cave temple for prayers and cremation. The grandmother’s wish was for the girl to have her bracelet. Unfortunately, her mother’s insistence on following Chinese hereditary practice causes her to disrespect this wish and give it to her irresponsible brother. Themes include love, care and respect for the aged, tradition, “face”.
The girl’s mother appears obsessed with “face” (her image), spending a lot more than normal on funeral arrangements. Later, she faces a choice between what is morally right (following her mother’s wishes), and being seen to do the “right” thing (following tradition and giving the bracelet to her brother, knowing it will probably be sold and the proceeds frittered away).
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