Themes in The Jade Peony

There are several important themes in The Jade Peony.

Old vs. New

Throughout the novel are examples of old and new. One instance is the values held in China, or what they call the "old world", compared to the values of Canada.  Poh-Poh represents the old values, but she struggles to maintain those ideas in the family.  Kiam and Father represent the new values, as they believe in science and education.  The children struggle to find a balance between old values and new values.


Integration and Acceptance

The novel deals with several themes surrounding integration and the immigrant experience in Canada.  As the family integrates into Canada, they look for acceptance.  The children are especially important for this theme.  


Myth vs Reality

Myth and Reality are two opposing forces that play out in the Jade Peony.  Poh-Poh uses myth in her stories of the Fox Lady, the Great Turtle, and the Monkey King.  These stories are Chinese myths that have continued throughout history.


Sun and the Moon

The theme of the sun vs. the moon plays out in section 2. Poh-Poh calls Jung the moon because he is different than others.  This theme is interconnected with other opposites (Canada vs. China, Old vs. New, etc.)