Exploitation Agency 1000 Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn
In the novel A Thousand Pieces of Gold, author Ruthanne Lum McCunn does an excellent job in illustrating agency, or the ability to act for one’s own behalf through the lively character Lalu Nathoy/Polly Bemis. ... Lalu/Polly certainly faced much exploitation in her early life, but the resilience depicted by her character managed to establish agency as she deals with the numerous exploitative events that occurred; and this will be proven by analyzing the 5 major segments of Lalu/Polly’s early life: Pre-kidnap life in China, post-kidnap life in China, pre-Hong King era, during the Hong King era itself, and finally, post-Hong King era. As mentioned in my thesis, the author creates agency in Lalu/Polly by merely characterizing Lalu/Polly as woman refusing to accept her fate (especially bad ones), as told by others. ... Perhaps the earliest introduction to Lalu/Polly’s agency traits started as early as pages 24-26. ... The potential selling, a form of exploitation, was brushed off by Lalu/Polly through her pouring flow of ideas to improve the family’s financial condition. ... Although the plan did not work (as most of her plans), this scene clearly shows Lalu/Polly’s agency in moments of exploitation and victimization.