How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The crashing is loud and strong. I plug my ears but can still hear Apa's loud yelling. Who do you think you are? Questioning me. Slap. Stop it, I say to myself. Go out there and stop it. But I do nothing. Say nothing. Only listen to the walls like a shameful mouse. (21.9-10)
This is Young Ju at the peak of her passivity. If you've been reading along, you'll know that being "a shameful mouse" is something Young Ju believes is innate in her character—but we're not so sure, because clearly there's a strong voice in Young Ju's head telling her to act differently. Is being "a shameful mouse" really who Young Ju is? Or is she just beating herself up over something that isn't her fault to begin with?
Quote #8
As Uhmma straightens the clutter of makeup on her dresser, she says, Your life can be different, Young Ju. Study and be strong. In America, women have choices. I stand up. Stare straight at Uhmma. You have choices, Uhmma. Uhmma refuses to meet my gaze. (26.65-67)
So where's the mouse now? Young Ju's growing up and along with this comes her newfound boldness. Here she is telling her mother to stand up for herself against Apa and—more or less—leave him. Not so passive now, is she?
Quote #9
A dull thud and Uhmma's scream halts my prayers. I open my eyes, and from somewhere inside my body, an answering scream finds its way out of my throat.
I don't think, just move. I lunge for the phone by the armchair. The three numbers are pressed so quickly I barely have time to hold the phone to my ear before a voice comes on, "Nine one one." (28.41-42)
For Young Ju, moving from passivity to action takes a moment of crisis. In this case, it's the fact that her dad truly might be beating Uhmma to the point of no return.