Character Analysis of “Let’s Go Home” by Kewlian Sio

Character Analysis of “Let’s Go Home” by Kewlian Sio

  1. The Elderly Protagonist:
    • The main character in “Let’s Go Home” is an elderly Chinese man who serves as the central focus of the story. He represents the emotional journey of an immigrant who, despite spending most of his life in a foreign land, feels a deep longing to return to his homeland. His character is shaped by a strong sense of nostalgia and regret.
    • Throughout the story, his internal conflict between the life he has built abroad and his desire to reconnect with his roots highlights his emotional fragility. He feels disconnected from both the past and the present, and this detachment shapes his thoughts and actions. The protagonist’s yearning to return to his homeland represents his struggle to reconcile his identity and find closure before the end of his life.
    • His character also reflects the universal human condition of aging—facing mortality, reevaluating one’s life, and seeking peace and fulfillment.
  2. The Son:
    • The son of the protagonist plays a supportive but somewhat distant role. He is emblematic of the younger generation, who may not fully understand the deep emotional need for the older generation to reconnect with their cultural heritage.
    • Although he loves and cares for his father, the son is more integrated into the modern, Westernized world, creating a generational gap between them. This gap is not just in terms of culture but also in terms of priorities and understanding of life.
    • The son’s pragmatic approach to life contrasts with his father’s emotional desire to “go home.” He symbolizes the new generation of immigrants who may not feel the same attachment to their homeland, having grown up in a different environment.
  3. The Homeland (as a metaphorical character):
    • While not a person, the concept of “home” in the story acts almost as a character itself. It is the source of the protagonist’s inner turmoil, representing both an idealized past and a place that may no longer exist in the way the protagonist remembers.
    • The homeland is portrayed as both a physical location and a symbolic idea, which the protagonist clings to for comfort. The longing for “home” reflects his desire to regain a sense of identity, belonging, and closure.
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