Reflection Paper 3 Literature & Language Essay Paper

Miss Sophia’s Diary
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Miss Sophia’s Diary
Sophia seems to be overpowered by Jishi’s influence on her, mainly due to his looks and outward seductive behavior. However, Jishi likes spending time with hookers and having fun without feeling the crunch of any consequences. While Sophia was aware of his behavior, she was unable to move on since he had a grip on her that made him irresistible whenever he approached her. Sophia eventually overcomes her lust over Jishi with the discovery of her need for the satisfaction of her emotional and physical needs. This realization of the nature of Jishi and her discovery of inner self serves to be a turning point for Sophia.
Sophia's rejection of Jishi brings the realization of infatuation in which she understands that her motivations to loving Jishi are mostly based on his looks. Jishi has a constant desire to satisfy his sexual needs, evidenced by the numerous mentions of his escapades. Therefore, his main motivation driving him towards Sophia can thus be explained by his need to satisfy his needs. On the other hand, Sophia craves an emotional and physical bond, as shown with her actions whenever Jishi appears. She is overcome with longing and desire for Jishi whenever they meet hence, she falls for him at each of the instances. She ponders at times, asking herself, “… how could I become infatuated with this totally Nanyang man” (Ling, 1985). Her final realization leading up to Ling's rejection raises the question of her identity as a modern Chinese woman dealing with a man who does not conform to traditional culture.
Furthermore, Sophia’s desires and needs for love are depicted by her relationship with Sister Yun. From their relationship, Sister Yun provides the emotional support that Sophia longs for without passing any judgment. Sophia craves the fondling and sympathy that Sister Yun provides an emotional bond that none of the men can provide. Their relationship is based on a reciprocal show of love and support. In comparison, her relationship with Jishi is based on physical desires, thus corrupting her feelings of self-worth, as evidenced in his final rejection. The issue of heterosexual relationships presents itself in this instance with the realization that men cannot provide the proper love that her heart craves. Therefore, while Jishi portrays a modern...