Lisa See masterfully navigates the theme of gender roles and power dynamics within the context of Ming Dynasty China. Throughout the novel, the narrative sheds light on the oppressive patriarchal norms that govern women's lives, highlighting the constraints they face in a society where male authority reigns supreme. The protagonist, Yunxian, serves as a lens through which the reader witnesses the challenges and struggles of women navigating their roles in a rigidly structured social hierarchy.

At the heart of the theme is the pervasive influence of Confucian ideology, which emphasizes the subordinate role of women within the family and society. Women are expected to be obedient daughters, virtuous wives, and self-sacrificing mothers, their worth measured by their ability to fulfill these roles and uphold family honor. Yunxian, despite her intelligence and ambition, finds herself confined by these expectations, forced to navigate a...