“And if anyone asks, you're Chinese. The boy had nodded. "Chinese," he whispered. "I'm Chinese." "And I," said the girl, "am the Queen of Spain." "In your dreams," said the boy. "In my dreams," said the girl, "I'm the King.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Julie Otsuka's novel, a boy and a girl engage in a playful conversation where they pretend to be someone they are not. The boy suggests that they pretend to be Chinese, to which the girl responds by humorously claiming to be the Queen of Spain. The boy then challenges her by remarking that being the King is more prestigious. This exchange reflects the innocence and imagination of childhood, as well as the desire to be someone important or powerful.
Relevance of Identity and Imagination
In Julie Otsuka's quote, the characters play with their identities and imagine themselves as powerful figures. In today's world, where identity and self-expression are constantly evolving, this quote highlights the importance of embracing different facets of ourselves and the power of our imagination in shaping our identity.
Dialogue between a boy and a girl imagining themselves as different identities
The passage depicts a whimsical conversation between a boy and a girl, pretending to be someone else - the boy as Chinese and the girl as the Queen of Spain. The banter and playful exchange between the two characters adds a touch of humor to the scene.
Reflection Questions:
This quote from Julie Otsuka's work prompts us to consider identity, imagination, and dreams. As you reflect on this passage, consider the following questions:
- How does the boy and girl's exchange about their identities resonate with you?
- What do you think the boy and girl's playful conversation reveals about the complexity of identity and imagination?
- In what ways do you see yourself in the boy or the girl in this passage?
- How do your dreams and aspirations shape your sense of self and identity?
Similar quotes
“I explained that he was Chinese, and she asked if the movie would be in Chinese. "No," I said, "he lives in America. In California. He's been there since he was a baby." "Then what does it matter if he's Chinese?" "Well," I said, "he's got... you know, a sensibility.”
“You're staring," Lana said."Yes. I am. I'm a teenage boy. Beautiful girls in wet underwear have a tendency to cause staring in teenage boys.”
“It's a secret code," said Calvin. "Girls are not not like boys. If a boy wants to kill you, he says 'I'm going to kill you.' If a girl wants to kill you, she says, 'We need to talk.' That's the code."I gasped. "Has a girl ever wanted to talk to you?" I asked. "Yup," said Calvin."How come you're still alive?" I asked."I vomited," said Calvin.”
“Well now, I'd rather have you than a dozen boys, Anne,' said Matthew patting her hand. 'Just mind you that — rather than a dozen boys. Well now, I guess it wasn't a boy that took the Avery scholarship, was it? It was a girl — my girl — my girl that I'm proud of.”
“Want to get Chinese?""I though you cooked.""Like I know how.""That's my girl.”