Fifth Chinese Daughter Analysis

Critical Personal Analysis of “Fifth Chinese Daughter”
As I began to read “Fifth Chinese Daughter” by Jade Snow Wong, I quickly developed a special appreciation for Jade Snow’s relationship with her father because although there are differences, it mirrors the relationship I have with my own. In fact, there were many gifts Mr. Wong gave Jade Snow that were nearly identical to some my father has given me. Mr. Wong may have his faults, but his sweet and silent acts of love allows me to see past them. Thus, I have chosen to analyze my response to Jade Snow’s relationship with her father. Growing up, I did receive corporal punishment, however, I can honestly say this method of punishment never resulted in injury, came from rage, or made me question

Wong’s method of punishing his children disappoints me, I appreciate his soft side. Having been blessed with an amazing family and exposed to very few other father-daughter relationships, my view of how such a relationship “should be” is based off what I know and have experienced. Although I am fully aware others will have different experiences and opinions, I have grown up seeing my father as the foundation of our family. So, while my father is careful not to abuse his power and will happily leave decisions for my mother to make, there is still no question as to who has the final say. Growing up, my father and I rarely had long or deep conversations together. In fact, a quick hug or “I love you” was typically furthest either of us would go in communicating our feelings for each other. Nevertheless, I never doubted his love for me. I have come to recognize the gifts my father offers as his primary expression of love rather than the words he speaks. While I noticed and appreciated many of Mr. Wong’s silent acts of kindness, there were two that spoke to me the most. The first was the gift of Jade Snow’s desk (Wong 69), while the second was the handshake he offered her when she won the absenteeism contest (Wong 195). With the belief that the father is the head of the household and the fact my own father rarely voices his love or approval, I found myself quickly relating to Jade Snow. For example, when I came across the line “to help her in her studies, Daddy brought Jade Snow her own desk” (Wong 69), I instantly thought of my father. In my eyes, giving gifts made of wood is exactly the type of thing a father would do. This belief likely comes from that fact that my father is a carpenter, and over the years I have received numerous gifts made of wood from him. While I know Jade Snow’s story does not tell us Mr. Wong made the desk, I felt an instant connection to her as I recalled the little wooden table and chairs my own father had given me when I was