What does the wok represent?

The wok symbolizes stereotypes, misconceptions, and insecurities. Janine receives a wok from one of Matt's cousins who deems it "so appropriate" despite the fact that woks are a Chinese tradition, not a Korean one. Janine secretly harbors concern that Matt marries her simply because she is Asian, rather than because he loves her. She overhears his relatives declare that he "has an Oriental fetish" which horrifies her due to its archaic associations with " submission and perversion" (155). The wok gift represents all of the misconceptions and assumptions associated with stereotypes. Additionally, Janine questions her identity as a result. Despite her unease, she attempts to stem the flow of thoughts and packs them up along with the wok to be stored away.