54 pages • 1 hour read
Kelly YangFinally Seen
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Flea Shop
Content Warning: This section includes discussion of anti-Chinese xenophobia, anti-immigrant biases, abuse, child loss, and racism.
Mrs. Ortiz recommends this graphic novel by Catherine Wang to Lina. Lina loves the book so much that she then recommends it to Finn and Mrs. Carter. In Finally Seen, Flea Shop symbolizes effective communication. Lina can better understand the text through the help of the images, and she easily can see how the main character Cat’s challenges are like her own. Later, her classmates prove that Jessica’s opinion about Cat’s classmate is unfounded because the text and pictures communicate that classmate’s behavior. At the emergency school board meeting, Lina speaks clearly and effectively about the novel, explaining how Cat’s plight helped Lina to better understand situations in the US—and to know she is not alone in conflicts as an immigrant.
Flea Shop also represents how sometimes people silence or oppress communication of messages, as in the case of book bans or book challenges. Mrs. Carter relays the inherent lesson to students after the meeting: “You’ve seen how easily books can be challenged. But you’ve also seen what happens when you speak up” (171). The fight to read Flea Shop demonstrates the characters’ courage and shows the power of speaking out. Consequently, this symbol supports the theme of Finding the Courage to Raise One’s Voice.
Bath Bombs
On the drive to her new home, Lina is shocked to hear that Mom makes bombs. This lighthearted misunderstanding introduces a significant subplot: the goal to turn Mom’s bath bombs into a profitable business venture. The bath bombs symbolize how support equals success in the novel. Mom relies on Millie’s help and Dad’s encouragement to launch her product; when Lina arrives, she welcomes her help as well. Lina initially strives to make a valuable contribution to this family business by designing the receipts, but her input and talents become especially useful when she gets the idea to personalize the bombs by painting images on them. Mom’s investment in mica paint proves her support of Lina’s idea. Though she initially rejects the idea and insists no paint will work on the bombs, Millie eventually sees that personalized bombs will benefit the business. The consequential boost in sales proves that cooperation and support of others’ ideas help overall project goals.
Later, Carla’s contributions to the bath bombs demonstrate that recognizing the need for assistance and asking for outside help are strengths, not weaknesses, in any project. Finally, Mom shows her ability to think creatively when she tries hiding toys in the bombs and seeking a business partner. Millie and Lina’s support of these innovative ideas contributes to the overall establishment of Mom’s bath bombs as a growing, formal business venture. The bath bombs and the family’s dedication to their success teach Lina, Mom, and Millie strong lessons in risk-taking, rallying, and working together and help develop the novel’s theme of The Benefits of A Support System.
Soil
Soil is a motif in the novel that represents growth and change. Pete delivers a strong message throughout the story about tending to and nurturing the soil so that it stays healthy and able to support the growth of plants, which in turn sustain people and help them to grow. Dad echoes these sentiments at the dinner on Pete's farm: “We absolutely have a chance […] I’ve seen it with my own eyes here. What the soil can do if we put life into it. Anything can grow” (221). The author establishes the deeper meaning of the soil early in the novel when Carla compares Lina to the tiny seedlings transplanted from cups into new soil: “It takes them a while to find their footing in their new home. But once they do, they shoot up like a beanstalk. […] Give yourself time. You’ve just been transplanted. You’ll find your root system again” (80).
Soil symbolizes the nurturing support system Lina has, which helps develop the theme of The Benefits of a Strong Support System. It also represents the new opportunities surrounding her and how her environment fosters creativity and learning. The idea of soil as the foundation for new ideas supports the theme of Using Imagination to Bolster Positivity and Progress.
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By Kelly Yang
