Numbers and counting seem to be a very important element in this book. In the very least, counting was important to Ona. In fact Leila boldly describes Ona's passion for counting; "Ona was right about the counting. Remembering the past gives power to the present. Memories do add up." (88-89). In addition, it is interesting that Ona jumps from the thirteenth floor because Leila describes 13 as a lucky number in Chinese, but what she fails to relate is that it is a common unlucky number in America. I ponder whether Ona was trying to relate a message. Perhaps with her unusual job as a waitress, her boyfriend that was not approved of by Leon, and finally her choice of where to jump from. It seems like Leila was right, Ona being the middle child, she did not know where to fit in whether it be Chinese or American culture. Even at the end of the book when Leila describes "the old blue sign, #2-4-6" (193) she is still taking to heart the fact that her sister used counting as a means of memory. Remembering this, Leila keeps a piece of Ona in her heart when she reads the sign in this way in order to remember "Salmon Alley, Mah and Leon" (194)
Are there any more instances of counting or numbers that you found, and feel emphasize this book?
2 comments:
I think that's a good point. There really does seem to be a theme of numbers in this story. I strongly agree with your evaluation of Ona as well. I believe that her being the middle child is a metaphor. She was stuck between two people, just as Leila, Nina, and other Chinese immigrants were stuck between two cultures.
Bone seems to be largely about the struggle the characters face being stuck between the two cultures, and how difficult it is. As far as Ona killing herself, people Ng is trying to say something about how it feels to be stuck between those cultures, or maybe that there shouldn't be that place "in between" at all.
I agree with both alex stone and polarice, with their comments on the theme of numbers and Ona being in the middle and not being able to feel comfortable with either culture. I think that Leila and Nina are stuck between two cultures, but it seems that they have come to terms with it better by choosing one more than the other which Ona could not do. Leila choosing the more Asian part of her culture by staying home taking care of her parents when they need it. And Nina chooses the more American part of her culture by doing what makes her happy and not trying to live up to any one culture's expectations.
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