Saina's hermes scarf

The scarf symbolizes Saina's failures and what the Wangs have misunderstood about success in America.

The Scarf is a 56x56 inch silk square produced by Hermes for the ill-fated art exhibition that cost Saina her place in the art world. It appears first with Barbara, but the reader does not see or understand its importance until the chapter that uncovers the reason behind Saina's career problems.

The scarf, being a luxury good, represents everything the Wangs have managed to achieve in America. Barbara decides to bring the scarf along on their journey across the country, not realizing that seeing it might upset Saina when they arrive. None of the family, including Saina, understand why the art exhibition--and the scarf along with it--were offensive to people. This lack of understanding mirrors Charles Wang's lack of understanding about his ethnic beauty line.

The Mercedes

The car...