Miss Choi’s notes are literally pinned to Joy, as they contain important information for her parents. However, Joy’s mother discards them, as she believes anything truly important will be communicated through speech (i.e., phone calls). The family as a whole operates on specific logic, understanding each other without words but not necessarily understanding how others may misconstrue their “silence.” Miss Choi’s notes progress “How to Pronounce Knife,” as they actively cause misunderstandings. As a motif, they demonstrate the power of language, both communication and miscommunication. For example, though Joy is dressed casually on picture day—related information having been shared in a discarded note—the event proceeds as scheduled. She does not tell her parents why everyone at school is dressed up; rather, she protects her parents’ feelings and her own pride.

Joy’s father’s painting of a bridge symbolizes the family’s life before immigrating, a “bridge” they continue to cross in their new country. It is small but detailed and displayed in their apartment. Joy’s father no longer paints, as he did so when he had time to be creative. Now, he works at a print shop which leaves him smelling of paint thinner. The painting thus represents a more innocent, pleasurable version of his current work, from which he cannot escape due to its related scent.