Tay Soon's story revolves around his struggle between ambition and humility. His dream of providing a better life for his family is overshadowed by his unrealistic belief in the stock market, which leads to financial ruin.
At the start of the novel Tay Soon's mother does not support his dreams which makes her seem nasty, but at the end she is there for him and spares no expense for his funeral.
Tay Soon is not an evil character but at the same time is not a good one either he is not humble and shows off at the start of the story but at the same time his dream is him wanting the best for his family.
Culture and Setting
Tay Soon's mother is very traditional and informs Tay Soon of him being too ambitious and not humble which goes against her traditional ways.
Tay Soon's mother is an example of a humble person who keeps to herself and is not very boastful or ambitious.
The story is set in a small terrace house. Tay Soon was so consumed with his dream house that he took the house he had for granted. If he was humble he would appreciate his house.
Character Flaws
Being unrealistic - Tay Soon put too much faith in his stocks to rise and did not sell them against advice from others even when the shares rising were extremely unrealistic, and he ended up losing his money.
Being Boastful - Tay Soon was not humble and boasted about his plans for his house which put a strain on his relationship with his mother.
Greed - Tay Soon was greedy and invested his money in stocks and lost it all. If he was humble he would not have a lust to make a lot of money.
Relationships
Not staying humble made Tay Soon lose all of his money which made him go insane which made him abusive towards his wife and kids straining all of those relationships.
Not staying humble and showing off strained his relationship with his mother and made them argue.
Conflict
There is Person vs Society conflict. This conflict is between Tay Soon and the stock market he battles to try to make the most money.
There is Person vs Self conflict. Towards the end of the story Tay Soon's mental state deteriorates and he starts fighting with himself mentally.
All of this conflict could be avoided if Tay Soon stayed humble.
There is person vs person conflict - the conflict is between Tay Soon and his mother at the start of the story. She does not like him investing all his money and being a show off.
Symbolism
The traditional doctor saying there is a "devil" inside Tay Soon symbolizes how greed can affect a persons mental state and why you should stay humble.
The burning of paper at the end of the story symbolizes that material things do not last forever which is why you should be humble and not greedy.
