Connections

Olde English Chinese Restaurant
When Zhuang arrives in England she is completely alone. She struggles to learn English so she can communicate accurately with others and to understand the cultural differences. Because of these barriers Z feels isolated and she is constantly searching for a companion. Her loneliness depicts the estrangement that travel often causes.

Unlike many of the characters we have read about Z does not travel to find herself or excitement. She travels because her parents want her to in the hope that it will bring them all a better life. She goes to England to learn English, so she can be successful. The prospect of a new place and a new life is not exciting to her. While other characters have viewed unknown places as an opportunity for exploration, Z views England as scary, lonely, and unwelcoming. All she desires is to create a home by finding a man to love her. Her desire for a lover portrays the need we all have for human contact. When in an unfamiliar place it seems only natural that one would reach out to other people. By making connections with other people in the place one can begin to be attached to the place itself.