Part 1 of Essay
Ng uses time in several ways. First she lays the groundwork in the present, which introduces the reader to the character. It isn’t so much a character development but more of a character breakdown to a partial development. It is almost a cycle but not quite. She implements this by flashing back in time but she doesn’t ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... Even more so, time is used as an introspective of Leila. The events that took place are equally responsible for Leila’s present life as they are Ona’s death. Leila’s last comment states it well. “Like the old timer’s photos, Leon’s papers and Grandpa Leong’s lost s, it reminded me to look back, to remember. I was reassured. I knew what I held in my heart would guide me. So I wasn’t worried when I turned that corner, leaving the old blue sign, Salmon Alley, Mah and Leon- everything- I think this passage s ....