This story is quite modern and it circles around the life of a mistress which contains sexism and superstitious community. I doubt that there will be any questions proposed to this short story, neither in this coming exam nor ever. Women are portrayed sexually, the mannerism which shows our [woman] greed over materialism and using our body to get what we want. Stella Kon's work speaks of the truth in our present time and very unlikely the government will use this text in the exam.
Theme: Dwelling in the past is destructive
1. Loneliness
Melinda is lonely too because her 'protector', Mr Wong only comes once or twice a week. Jade Swallow is also lonely because she was murdered and her soul is stuck at the place for a century. When people knew that Jade was still staying there, they moved to another place. Jade is glad that Melinda is staying there now.
2. Melinda begs Jade to help Jeffrey
Knowing that Jade is from the past, she asked for her help to tell her lover, Jeffrey about old Singapore.
3. Greed
Melinda is so desperate to help Jeffrey to finish his thesis so that he can graduate that she asked for a ghost's help. Melinda's greed eventually lead to her own destruction because she didn't consider the fact that Jade is a vengeful spirit and it is better to stay away from her.
