Strategies for Studying Illustrations (continued)

Contrary to what we observed in the previous illustration, the reader is comforted by this scene. The father enjoys the company of new friends. The lighting is soft and bright.¹ The table, the chairs, and the placement of familiar objects relay this message. The food and drink is foreign,² but the warmth of his surroundings puts both the father and the reader at ease.

The woman at the table leans forward,³ suggesting she is intent on communicating with the protagonist. The son feeds their guest's pet.⁴ Having a child at the dinner table likely reminds the protagonist of his own daughter, back home. In this scene, Tan suggests that humans seek the company of others for comfort and companionship.