In this story, we again see the themes of appearance and reality and the importance of heritage. To native-born Americans, both Waverly and Lindo appear to be "Chinese" at first glance. Mr. Rory, the hairdresser, assumes that Lindo cannot even speak English. Even Waverly plays into this misconception, treating her mother as though she were a recent immigrant. Lindo knows, however, because she is a citizen of China, that no one in China would ever mistake Waverly as a native Chinese; Waverly is unmistakably "American-made."
Lindo recalls how she tried to make Waverly both American and Chinese. She wanted her daughter to have the opportunities that America offered, yet still retain the obedience and wisdom of her Chinese heritage. She feels that she did not succeed; Waverly declares that she is "her own person." How could she be "her own person," Lindo wonders. She has not yet given her up.
Note the symbol of the crooked nose. Both Lindo and Waverly have crooked noses. Waverly is pleased with their noses, for she thinks it makes them look "devious" and "two-faced." Both of these words have negative connotations in English. Aware of these bad overtones, Lindo asks if it is a good thing. Waverly says that it is because "it helps you get what you want." This reveals Waverly's determination to succeed at any cost. Lindo is more subtle in her appraisal. She wonders how much of her is still Chinese, and how much of her has become American. Both women have a "double face," the title of this section, for they straddle two cultures.
