She Who Became the Sun

“This child has greatness in him. Oh, how clearly did I see it! His deeds will bring a hundred generations of pride to your family name […] Then, as if from a distance, she heard the fortune-teller say: ‘Nothing.’”

Fortune-telling and the supernatural play a large role in She Who Became the Sun. In the traditional patriarchal society, Zhu’s brother (the original Zhu Chongba) is favored and destined for greatness. Meanwhile, Zhu is considered worthless, and will likely die an unfortunate, ignoble death.

“What difference does it make to me? You’re my brother, whatever’s under your clothes.”

Xu Da’s acceptance of Zhu’s gender and circumstances are a boon to her quest for her fate, especially when juxtaposed with Prefect Fang’s negative reaction. Xu Da uses the word “brother” rather than “sister” (there is no gender-neutral term for sibling in Mandarin Chinese), implying that he respects her chosen gender on top of protecting her secret. He is also the first member of her found family, something that until now, she didn’t believe she would have.

“Will alone isn’t enough to guarantee survival.”

This is an important lesson from the Abbot, and it indicates a trait that separates Zhu from traditional monks (and men) like Prefect Fang. Though many people, including Prefect Fang and Zhu, have strong wills, will must be paired with strategy to achieve survival. The Abbot points out that Zhu observes the world beyond the monastery; this awareness of the bigger picture increases her chances of both survival and achieving greatness.