What is the theme in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See?

Social Position is another theme in the book. Lily and Snow Flower come from entirely different backgrounds. Living in an upscale neighborhood with a wealthy family early in her life, Snow Flower had privileges of learning and breeding that were not afforded to Lily as a child. Snow Flower is able to teach Lily many things about how to behave socially, how to talk to men, how to write in nu shu, and other more refined aspects of living. Snow Flower learns from Lily about hard work - how to feed the pigs, clean the house and cook - practical chores that she has never had the opportunity to learn.