Themes/Emotions

Throughout of the novel I've noticed three themes that appeared freuently: Family, sacrfice/obedience, and "love".
Family- From beginning to the end, Lily had suffered with her family, whether it was neglect or abandonment. She began her long life with a poor, unloving family. They like every other family in China were greatly unhappy with a baby girl. They did not love as they should and did not treat her well. They only thing they did for her was bind her feet perfectly. This threw her into the high ranking Lu family, where they gladly took her and her gorgeous Lily feet for their First Son (the most important child of the household). When she bore sons and a daughter, they were thrilled and this gave the utmost joy to Lily. She finally had a loving family and also she loved her children and were so proud of them. But unfortunately all of this family has deceased before she, making her life sad and depressing at the ultimate end.
Sacrifice/Obedience- For all struggling girls in China this is a relevant theme. Not only are they unwanted but they are forced to do things that no girl should ever have to do. Such as foot binding and arranged marriages. Not only that but they pressured heavily to have sons and if they dont, they are scorned and disliked in the family. All of which is extremely relevant in Lily's life. She went through the torment of all Chinese women except she reaped the rewards. She was quite lucky with her life, a loving husband, healthy kids, and a genuine love laotong. But she was obedient which is why she got to the top. She obeyed her inlaws and husband, as well as doing everything correctly in footbinding, which led to fabulous lifestyle she was throughly blessed with.
"Love"- Love or lack of was the basic theme of Lily's life. It not only guided her but also pushed her to do things she wouldnt normally do. She felt extreme love for her husband, who gave her sons and a daughter and also compassion. Her kids were her pride and joy, giving her days light and worth. But most of all she felt the true, genuine, deep love for her laotong, Snow Flower. Snow Flower was the greatest thing that ever happened to Lily, it gave her a reason to live, a reason to perservere. They were together in good and bad times and agreed to be there for each other for their whole lives. They shared everything.

These themes justified the novel's overall purpose and created the real plot. It drove the characters and also explained why they were the way they were.