Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien

The most pertinent theme is that of identity which in the case of Sparrow, Kai and Zhuli is music. Do not Say We Have Nothing is not only ambitious in scope in terms of the historical context but also ambitious when it comes to exploring a vast expanse of themes. Another literary device that brings the book to life and makes readers involved is paradox.īy creating contradictions such as ‘love’ and heartbreak’ between the families, ‘complexity’ and ‘simplicity’ of situations and feelings, Thien effectively stresses upon the personal tragedy of Mao’s China. With such suppression of individuals it is impossible that silence does not permeate their lives and hence Thien cleverly personifies ‘Quiet’ or Qu in the text and uses it as liet motif, silence itself becomes a language among the characters. Bach’s Goldberg Variations are also used as a liet motif throughout the book.

Sparrow, Kai and Zhuli are forced to burn their Western scores, hide them in roofs and only practice state-mandated music, this symoblises people’s loss of identity and the will to live in those times. The use of music as an extended metaphor throughout the book is essential to the theme as it represents the language and identity of the characters. The heinous crimes against humanity committed by the Red Guards, the atrocities of the People’s Army in the Tiananmen Square and the sheer humiliation of people who voiced their opinion, are brought to life using powerful imagery and direct speech. The most common literary devices used are vivid imagery that helps the author emphasize the brutality of a repressive regime. Thien has many ticks up her sleeve when it comes to the use of literary devices in the book. Thus the author uses historical events to highlight the conflict in the plot and heighten the intensity of the narrative. Prevalent practices of these turbulent times such as ‘self-criticisms’, ‘denunciations’ and ‘struggle sessions’ depict with great aplomb the effects on the ingenious minds, who had to suppress their true selves, talent and thinking. Thien is able to communicate the emotional trauma of ordinary people in 20th Century China and also elucidate on the themes of identity and transition with help of these historical events. From the Chinese Civil War to the Great Leap Forward, from the Cultural revolution to the Tiananmen square protests, Do Not Say We Have Nothing helps readers explore China through a personal history in contrast to the public account.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien