The motif of seeking approval
Anchee is seeking approval in almost every arena of the novel. She seeks the approval of others with her school grades. She seeks the approval of the state by her religious allegiance to Mao, but most of all, she seeks her own approval and fails to gain it, because she knows she is not being successful. Anchee must learn the hard way that success in Maoist China is not success worth having.
The allegory of paranoia
When Anchee participates in the public shaming of her favorite teacher, she willingly participates, but this leaves her aware of the fact that, in the future, perhaps someone will lie about her the way she has lied here. She never forgets this and it sets the tone for paranoia in the book, since it constitutes the first time her allegiance to Mao has caused something so serious to happen.
The motif of dysfunction
In many relationships within the novel, dysfunction from paranoia and suspicion has taken its toll. Many times, friends betray each other and even Anchee betrays her favorite teacher.
Yan as a symbol
Yan seems to have important significance since she stays on Anchee's mind even during her time with the Supervisor. Perhaps Anchee really just does prefer women to men, sexually. Or perhaps, Yan has come to represent hope to Anchee, since Yan was Anchee's diamond in the rough at their work camp.
Mao Zedong as a symbol
Mao himself is a symbol in the context of the narrative. At first, he represents the hierarchy, and so Anchee, a success oriented person, seeks to be successful in the Maoist hierarchy. But this involves betraying her friends and loved ones. Mao is therefore a symbol for the force that goes against honor, the force of selfish ambition. Mao is a symbol for narcissism, power, and greed.
