Lee went quickly out of the kitchen. He sat in his room…
““Lee went quickly out of the kitchen. He sat in his room, gripping his hands tightly together until he stopped choking. He got up and took a small carved ebony box from the top of his bureau. A dragon climbed toward heaven on the box. He carried the box to the kitchen and laid it on the table between Abra’s hands. “This is for you,” he said, and his tone had no inflection. She opened the box and looked down on a small, dark green jade button, and carved on its surface was a human right hand, a lovely hand, the fingers curved and in repose. Abra lifted the button out and looked at it, and then she moistened it with the tip of her tongue and moved it gently over her full lips, and pressed the cool stone against her cheek. Lee said, “That was my mother’s only ornament.” Abra got up and put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek, and it was the only time such a thing had ever happened in his whole life. Lee laughed. “My Oriental calm seems to have deserted me,” he said. “Let me make the tea, darling. I’ll get hold of myself that way.” From the stove he said, “I’ve never used that word—never once to anybody in the world.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lee offers a symbolic gift, revealing deep affection and cultural memory, while his nervousness shows vulnerability.
In simple terms: Lee gives a meaningful gift and shows his feelings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor small gestures of love.
Themes
affection
culture
vulnerability
memory
symbolism
Mood
tender
reflective
intimate
Type
literary
emotional
symbolic
When to use this quote
- family intimacy
- cross‑cultural understanding
- personal vulnerability
Key Concepts
gift-giving
cultural heritage
emotional expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How do small gifts convey deeper emotions?
- What does the jade button symbolize for each character?
A Different Perspective
The scene may idealize emotional exchange, overlooking complex power dynamics.