Japanese Flag

The Japanese flag symbolizes Ma’s nonpolitical stance as the novel opens. When it becomes apparent that the Japanese might be able to reach Singapore and take control of the island, she makes a flag to appease the Japanese should they arrive. Once they do, she hangs the flag. This shows that her greatest priority is the safety of her family, and she will express loyalty to whomever she needs to. In this way, the Japanese flag symbolizes the appeasement of dangerous authorities as well as Ma’s lack of strong political convictions.

Shoes

Shoes represent who a person really is. This is an apt symbol because of the wealth differentials of the different factions on the island and the different clothing they wear according to their stations in life. When Siok Mei visits Ah Boon’s home, she washes the mud off of her...