Although Rose has the guidance of her mother and the freedom of an American, she only finds her voice after enduring a long journey in which she loses herself. Rose learns to appreciate the right to be bold. “That was China. That's what people did back then. They had no choice. They couldn't speak. They couldn't escape. That was their destiny. But now they can do something else. Now they no longer have to swallow their tears or suffer... (241)" Once upon a time, people fought for the freedom to defend themselves