Discuss the relationship between Yunxian and her servant Poppy and how it evolves throughout the novel. When do you think Yunxian comes to fully appreciate Poppy and see her as a real human being? How does that change their relationship?

Discuss the relationship between Yunxian and her servant Poppy and how it evolves throughout the novel. When do you think Yunxian comes to fully appreciate Poppy and see her as a real human being? How does that change their relationship?

As I remember it Poppy was about 7-8 years old when she was purchased to be Yunxian’s maid. When we meet Yunxian she see Poppy as “ always being there” . Poppy is 15 (p8)., she has no idea about where Poppy came from just knows all the things Poppy does for her and that she will, as part of her dowry, be with her until one of them dies. Once she hears a conversation between Miss Zhao and Poppy, Yunxian learns “ more about Poppy in these few minutes than I’ve learned since my birth”(p 66).
Yunxian goes on to say she “had never thought about where Poppy came from or even about her feelings…” “ I’ve always thought about her as being just my servant”. When Yunxian learns Poppy has betrayed her, she is of course devastated. She comes to realize Poppy had little recourse and she gains a bit more clarity into Poppy’s life. As Yunxian assumes life under her Lady Kuo and as her life experiences expand she begins to see Poppy in a new light. Miss Chen, also provides much insight into Poppy’s behavior and Spinster Aunt explains why Poppy had no choice but to betray her. Then Meiling pushes Yunxian to see how Poppy risked her future by sneaking out to get help for Yunxian. It takes time and others to get Yunxian to see Poppy more as a person, someone who like herself, has limited freedom of will and faces a much harsher reality. I think it’s a combination of wisdom and maturity and events that allow Yunxian to begin to see Poppy as more than her servant.

Poppy was purchased for Yunxian at the time of birth by her father as part of her dowry when she3 married. For now Poppy must be there for her and do as required as her maid. Yunxian once does hears a conversation between Miss Zhao and Poppy, and learns more3 about Poppy in these few minutes than learned she ever had before. Through the book we read about the Poppy she committed against Yunxian but than forgiveness and understanding rising and they become close thanks to Meiling. Then the two of them see common obstacles and become as close as society permits.

In the beginning of the book, a very young Yunxian just saw Poppy as her servant. When Yunxian marries and moves to the Garden of Fragrant Delights, she finds it difficult to make friends and feels like an outsider. Poppy was the only one she felt comfortable with. However, she later feels betrayed by Poppy when Yunxian finds out that Poppy was giving the letters she was writing to Meiling to her mother-in-law and the letters never got to Meiling. Over time, Yunxian sees how dedicated Poppy is to her, and at one time most likely saving her life. Towards the end of the book, Yunxian discusses the love she receives and the love she feels towards her “circle of friends” in which she includes Poppy.

Talk about being between a rock and a hard place pretty much explains the situation Poppy was in. She knew her role in life and had to accommodate any and all who were above her station. She served Yunxian to the best of her abilities under these situations. I think Yunxian’s understanding and compassion grew and changed over time as she learned more about Poppy and she could finally see her and even relate her own experiences and how she herself was treated.

I wonder if Yunxian even thought about Poppy being a servant. It was just the way things were at the time. As she aged she saw Poppy in a different light.

Yunxian was forever a part of her privileged class. Even though she did have some realization of Poppy being a person and not just for her own convenience and care, she still held herself separate and above her, and did not take any initiative to learn any more about her. It would have been interesting for the author to have devoted a bit of time in developing Poppy a bit more so that we could understand some of her motivations and pressures, and perhaps jealousies of being born into a lower class. There is so much to explore regarding the classes of women at this time of history.

Like some other responders, I would like to have known more about Poppy. But then, by us not learning more, it emphasizes that servants like her are not seen as fully realized humans with needs. Yunxian does come to have more regard for Poppy, but the class system is so engrained in her that caring for Poppy as an equal would be a bridge too far.

I think her relationship with Poppy evolved. At first, she felt betrayed by Poppy over the letters, but Poppy really didn't have a choice about handing them over. She redeems herself by getting the midwives there to help with the birth of her son.

I agree with conniehg, Poppy becomes part of Lady Tan's Circle.