The American dream remains an elusive figment throughout the book. Describe the ways members of the family both buy into and reject the American dream. Furthermore, how does America both accept and reject them as immigrants and refugees?

Like the butterfly in the glass disc in Mel’s home, the novel’s three main characters are all trapped in their own circumstances. Pick two of the following characters (Girl, Ma, or Ba) and compare and contrast how and why each is “trapped” during the course of the novel. 

Flora and fauna figure prominently in the book as metaphors for the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. How do these earthly creatures serve to flesh out the characters’ personalities and deepen the readers’ empathy? Focus on 2 to 3 specific animal/plant symbols to illustrate your point.