Yeh-hsien is personified by the author, Tuan Ch'eng-shih, as a girl shadowed by her
step-mother and sisters. The setting takes place somewhere South of China, the exact location not known.
Her father was a cave-master with two wives. In can be said that the tradition of the cave-master is of high
authority. Nonetheless, Yeh-hsien mother dies and later on her father dies too. Yeh-sien is said to be described as
special girl as described by the author. "...who from childhood was intelligent and good at making pottery on the wheel." (Writing and Reading-across the curriculum)
When the author mentions intelligent and conjugates it with pottery making it gives the reader a picture that woman's roles
in those days are completely different from now. Probably as this story became passed from generation to generation more characteristics were added of what an intelligent girl should be.
The interaction between the fish and Yeh-hsien and the fish is unlike the modern day cinderella. Tuan Ch'eng-shih uses
the fish in a attempt to symbolize Yeh-hsien's father. "the step-mother knew about this, but when she watched for it, it did not come out." (Writing and Reading-across the curriculum)
The fact that the step-mother was mistreating Yeh-hsien made the fish not once come out of the pond in attempt to show lack of respect. Many times your mother and/or father leave you something that you keep the rest of your life.
Objects such as dogs, necklaces, etc. Though object may no have much value the sentimental value can not be relinquished, especially when this person passes on.
The encounter with magical guardian helps Yeh-hsien triumph over her step-family. Though it can also be argued that the guardian can be considered the "Fairy Godmother," it is evident that the fish's boones are
what bring her wishes true. The magical guardian can be considered Yeh-hsien's real mother. The guardian is the one that watches over her and advises her what to do. Tuan Ch'eng-shih evidently wanted to enfasize the importance of the realtionship
between a child and her mother. Like it is always said a mother always knows best for their children.
