Dial A for Aunties

The conflict that can arise between the desire to show loyalty to one’s family, especially filial piety, and the desire to pursue independence play a major role in the novel and in Meddy’s character development. Family is extremely important to Meddy Chan on a cultural and personal level. Culturally, Meddy has been raised to respect her elders—even as an adult, she strives to listen to what they say and to do as they tell her. Personally, Meddy wants to support the women who raised her despite the family “curse,” which the women believe has killed or lured away all the men in their family (3). Yet Meddy also harbors a secret desire to leave home and pursue her own career.

Meddy’s family compounds Meddy’s guilt over wanting to leave home in several ways. The refrain that Meddy is a “good daughter” for staying close to home, compared to her male cousins, who only call for money now that they’ve moved across the country, weighs heavily on her. Her mother and aunts also have strong personalities that, given Meddy’s instinctive obedience, leave Meddy submissive, comparatively speaking. As a result, Meddy struggles to pursue any dreams that don’t align with her family’s expectations.