Rain

Rain is a symbol for Daiyu's grandmother and the love that they share. When she sends Daiyu away from home to protect her from the Chinese government, she tells her that they will speak whenever it rains. Her grandmother was an influential force in her life and taught her all that she knew about gardening and Chinese medicine.

Initially, Daiyu believes that she will see her grandmother again, but as time passes it becomes clear that they will only share each other's memories during rain showers. Throughout Daiyu's travels, the rain evokes memories of her grandmother and her gardens, and she recalls wisdom shared in their relationship. At the end of the novel, when Daiyu's remains are on the dock in Zhifu, her grandmother mourns her loss and it begins to rain.

Chinese characters

Chinese characters symbolize the inner workings of Daiyu's emotional life, and serve...