Bone: Analysis of Major Characters
"Bone: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics within the Leong and Louie families, centered around the experiences of Lei Fu Louie, the narrator and community relations specialist. Lei, the eldest daughter, serves as a cultural bridge for her Chinese immigrant family, navigating the complexities of their heritage and contemporary American society. Her mother, Dulcie, a seamstress turned business owner, represents the struggles and resilience of immigrant women. Lei's stepfather, Leon, embodies the challenges faced by many immigrants, including the search for stability and success amidst personal setbacks.
The narrative also delves into the lives of Lei's half-sisters. Nina, the youngest, seeks independence and a life outside traditional expectations in New York, while Ona, the middle sister, tragically grapples with familial pressures and ultimately takes her own life. Through these characters, the story examines themes of cultural identity, familial obligation, and personal aspiration. Lastly, Mason Louie, Lei's husband, stands out as a figure of stability and ease, symbolizing the potential harmony between cultural heritage and modern life. This rich character tapestry invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity and belonging within immigrant families.
Bone: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Fae Myenne Ng
First published: 1993
Genre: Novel
Locale: San Francisco's Chinatown
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: The 1960's to the 1980's
Leila (Lei) Fu Louie, the narrator. A community relations specialist for a public school, Lei also is the specialist in family relations for the Leong family. She is the “First Girl,” the eldest daughter of Dulcie Leong and stepdaughter of Leon Leong, Chinese immigrants who live in San Francisco's Chinatown. As the eldest daughter, she has been her parents' translator and their bridge into contemporary American society.
Dulcie (Mah) Leong, Lei's mother. She has worked most of her life as a seamstress and now owns a children's clothing store. She came to America with her first husband, Lei's father. After he deserted Dulcie and Lei, leaving to seek better opportunities in Australia, she married Leon.
Leon Leong, Lei's stepfather, a retired seaman. Leon entered the United States using false papers and a false name, which he adopted. When ashore, he worked a variety of odd jobs, unable to find anything permanent. He lost his investment in a laundry business when his partner cheated him.
Nina Leong, Lei's half sister. The “End Girl,” the youngest daughter in the Leong family, Nina has rebelled against the traditional demands placed on her by her parents. She has escaped by moving across the continent to New York. Her ties to her Chinese heritage remain intact; she leads tours to Hong Kong and mainland China.
Ona Leong, Lei's half sister who recently committed suicide. Lei remembers her as the “forward-looking one,” but as the “Middle Girl,” Ona was stuck in the middle of family crises. She had fallen in love with the son of Leon's cheating business partner and refused to stop seeing him, despite her father's orders.
Mason Louie, Lei's husband, a car mechanic. Lei is attracted to Mason not only by his lean good looks but also by his relaxed, confident manner. He, more than any other character, seems comfortable spanning the bridge between Chinese traditions and modern American life. Lei sees him as the one person she does not have to worry about; he can take care of himself.