“Daw Widow’s eyes narrow as she studies my face. ‘So! Somebody who can read a book or use a pencil is smarter than somebody who can’t?’”

Chiko is an educated boy, literate and homeschooled. However, he has none of Daw Widow’s connections or societal influence and savvy. Here, she reminds Chiko that although she may not be literate or well-read, she’s very capable. This introduces the key theme of Education Versus Propaganda/Hatred, as well as the symbolism of Chiko’s literacy and the power (or lack thereof) that comes with it.

“Their ‘father’ is standing in a corner. The word still sounds strange, but so many boys my age have lost their real fathers. Maybe they’re looking for a replacement.”

Given Burma’s chaos and instability, Chiko and Tai aren’t the only children who have lost parents or been forcibly removed from their homes and families. Many boys seek role models elsewhere. Chiko and Tai see through the captain’s propaganda and manipulation, but not all boys can. Instead, they seek the captain’s approval and praise, turning to him as a role model and replacement father figure; this reiterates the theme of The Importance of Strong Role Models. However, not all father figures and father/son relationships are healthy—the captain’s favoritism is a clear example of the toxicity and grooming of such a manipulative relationship.