When the Sea Turned to Silver

Amah impacts both the narrative and the protagonist, Pinmei. As Pinmei’s grandmother, Amah embodies wisdom, strength, and the deep-rooted traditions of storytelling that shape the novel’s frame narrative. Her role extends beyond a caregiver; she serves as a guiding force whose influence shapes the story.

Amah supports herself and Pinmei as a master embroiderer, but she is also renowned as the Storyteller. In this role, Amah commands respect and admiration from strangers and adversaries alike. Amah is also Minli, the protagonist of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, further connecting her to the broader narrative of Lin’s works.

As a nurturing and protective figure, Amah’s primary concern is Pinmei’s safety and well-being. Her imprisonment by the Tiger Emperor brings forth her deep anxiety for her granddaughter. However, through her captivity, Amah learns that overprotection can become a form of constraint, and true safety and growth for Pinmei require fostering her independence.

Amah’s kidnapping catalyzes Pinmei’s journey, transforming her into a courageous adventurer. Amah’s absence, and Pinmei’s eagerness to rescue her, underscores her significance as a beloved family member. Additionally, Amah’s knowledge of cultural history is so singular that the Emperor seeks to obtain and control it.

Even in her physical absence, Amah’s influence remains strong. Pinmei’s quest to rescue her grandmother reflects how Amah’s values and teachings continue to guide her. This journey underscores the enduring impact of Amah’s wisdom and her role in Pinmei’s development.

Amah’s character contrasts sharply with the Tiger Emperor. While the Emperor is driven by greed and a desire for eternal life, Amah represents enduring qualities of love, wisdom, and selflessness. This juxtaposition emphasizes the thematic conflict between the pursuit of power and the preservation of cultural values.

Yishan is a complex figure whose actions and motivations significantly impact the novel’s narrative. As an immortal being known by various names—the Man of the Moon, the Mountain Spirit, and the Ginseng Boy—Yishan embodies both the wisdom and the burdens of eternal life. For much of the story, Yishan is a young boy dressed entirely in red. However, this youthful appearance is deceptive; Yishan frequently sacrifices his youth and vitality to aid others, revealing his character’s selflessness.

Yishan is Pinmei’s best friend and trusted confidante, but their relationship is marked by secrecy and complexity. Despite their close bond, Yishan keeps many secrets from Pinmei. His immortality endows him with vast knowledge and experience, but existing as a child causes him to forget parts of his identity and past. His fragmented memories and concealed truths create a barrier, preventing him from fully disclosing his true intentions and background to Pinmei.

Yishan serves as a foil to Pinmei. While Pinmei is characterized by her quietness and insecurity, Yishan is bold and daring. Where Pinmei struggles to find her voice, Yishan speaks with a commanding presence, “as if each of his words were carved in stone” (11). This contrast underscores Yishan’s role as both a mentor and a motivator in her development.

Yishan illustrates the theme of finding and creating identity through his struggle to remember his own. Despite his confusion, the core of Yishan’s character remains steadfast: He is compassionate, brave, and selfless. His repeated sacrifices for others underscore his enduring qualities across lifetimes.

At the novel’s end, Yishan transitions from his role as the Ginseng Boy to that of the Old Man of the Moon. By giving up his youth to save Amah, he can no longer see Pinmei regularly. This transformation marks the culmination of his character arc, underscoring the enduring impact of his sacrifice on those he cares about.

Lady Meng, also known as the Sea King’s Daughter, is a strikingly beautiful character often depicted in shades of blue or gray. Her ethereal appearance and regal demeanor symbolize her connection to the goddess Nuwa, renowned in mythology for her sacrifices for others. Similarly, Lady Meng makes significant sacrifices, notably surrendering the Iron Rod—a treasured artifact of her culture—to protect her husband, Wan.

Despite her noble efforts, Lady Meng’s sacrifices cannot save Wan. The Tiger Emperor’s ruthless actions result in Wan’s death, and he seizes the Iron Rod. This turn of events underscores the tragic dimension of Lady Meng’s character, revealing the limitations of her sacrifices and the harsh realities of her world.

In addition to her role as a sacrificial figure, Lady Meng embodies bravery through her journey to find her husband. However, she makes a compelling distinction about her own bravery: Rather than acting out of self-preservation, she is driven by a sense of duty and resolve. This nuanced view of bravery highlights her strength and determination while offering a more sacrificial perspective on heroism.

Lady Meng offers Pinmei protection and guidance, yet she allows her the freedom to make, and learn from, mistakes. This approach contrasts with Amah’s more protective and controlling stance. While Amah focuses on keeping Pinmei safe from harm, Lady Meng’s mentorship is characterized by a balance of support and autonomy, helping Pinmei grow more self-reliant.