Bamboo People

Chiko’s photographs of Father and Lei, gifts from Daw Widow, are among his most precious possessions and symbolize hope (Lei) and resilience (Father). Chiko realizes that Daw Widow intended the photo of his father to be a parting gift because of the military’s interest in him. Father’s photo thus symbolizes resilience for the hard times to come. Father’s expression of determination, which Chiko is said to mirror, reflects Chiko’s growing resilience to the hardships he faces in the military and in the Karenni camp. Father’s photo is the one Chiko keeps at the end of the novel, partly because he’s waiting for Father’s return but also as a reminder that his resilience remains a necessity. His many memories of Father reflect this too, from Father’s encouragement—“Try hard, my son” (43)—to Chiko’s inspiration to use his secretarial position to find information on Father’s condition. This demonstrates Chiko’s growing resourcefulness rather than despair. Father’s photo is the one Chiko feels comfortable sharing because in his circumstances, everyone needs support to be resilient.

Lei’s photograph, symbolizing hope, is more private, because it’s much more fragile and personal. Before his conscription, Chiko was too shy to confess his romantic feelings for Lei.