Under a Painted Sky

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism, attempted rape, murder, child abuse, suicidal ideation, and anti-gay bias.

“Does killing a man who tried to rape me count as murder? For me, it probably does. The law in Missouri in this year of our Lord 1849 does not sympathize with a Chinaman’s daughter.”

Although the story opens in medias res, this question, which is the second paragraph of the chapter, provides context for the murder. The setting is established (Missouri, 1849), as is the identity of the speaker and her place within society. The suggestion here is that the law will not be sympathetic to someone who is not white.

“Whoever was responsible, may he pay for it in a thousand ways, go blind in both eyes, deaf in both ears. Better yet, may he perish in hell.”

Even before finding out for sure that the fire was not an accident but set by the landlord Ty Yorkshire for the insurance money, Samantha is certain that the blaze had not been set by her father. Her thoughts portray several elements of her identity (Chinese and American Christian), as it combines language and imagery found in both. Her identity is explored throughout the novel.

“You always said, Have patience in one moment of anger, and you will avoid one hundred days of sorrow.”

This is one of many times during which Samantha speaks to her deceased father and remembers his wise sayings. Chinese culture, like many others, uses proverbs and sayings to express and teach its values. Samantha’s argument with her father led her to come home late from violin lessons, well after the fire had caused his death. This causes her many moments of guilt and regret.