Chapter+10

Many events happen in chapter 10. One, Da Chen is picked to represent the school, despite his political backround, in the Ping Pong championship match. He ultimately fails, but when going back to school he gains more respect. Two, Da and his four friends have the "swearing ceremony" where they create rules of their frienship. They get drunk and barely eat any of the food. Third, Da's father's reputation of being an acupuncturist increases. He helps Mon Hai, the supervising cadre, with his dad, who needs acupuncture after his stroke. He then helps Mon Hai when he gets hit by a rock. Da's father became known as "doc" and his reputation as being an anti-communist started to fade away. There are many good quotes in chapter 10 that explain Da's mood, relationship with people, and how Da's and his family's title of landlord is becoming less of an issue. For example, when Da is asked to participate in the school championship Ping-Pong match, "I'm not sure my political backround would allow me to do so, I said uncertainly. "I'll take care of it"". When Da was younger his political backround limited him from staying in school, or leaving his house but now he is able to participate in an honorable event. Another quote of Da and his gang, "Fate has brought us together. From now on we are brothers, not by blood, but by spirit.", this tells the reader how Da's relation with people is increasing. Also another quote is the effect the swearing ceremony has on Da and his friends and the general mood it creates. "Everyone was quiet and thoughtful. For the first time, we all realized that it wasn't just food, drinks, smoking, and having fun together. It was more than that now. We were bound by rules. The moment filled me with strength, courage, and emotion. I felt I had grown a few inches." The narrator throughout chapter 10 is Da explaining these different events, in past tense. All of the events in chapter 10 are symbols. One example of this might be when Da and his friends have the swearing ceremony. There were brought together by alchohol and gambling and despite this, they have a very strong relationship that most do not have. This is an image that applies to the chapter. Written by Drew Dickson.