Here's a breakdown of the rising action:
Early Childhood:
* Adeline's birth is met with disappointment by her father, who desired a son. She is seen as an unwelcome burden, especially as she is not considered "pretty enough" to match the expectations of her family.
* She experiences early neglect and emotional abuse from her stepmother, Niang, who prioritizes her own biological children.
* Adeline witnesses her mother's struggle to maintain her dignity and cope with the constant mistreatment from Niang.
Teenage Years:
* Adeline faces constant discrimination and is treated as an outsider by Niang and her step-siblings. This creates a sense of isolation and loneliness.
* She excels academically, but her achievements are constantly overshadowed by Niang's favoritism towards her own children.
* Despite her struggles, Adeline finds solace in her passion for learning, particularly English literature. She uses this passion as a form of escape from her harsh reality.
Turning Point:
* Adeline faces a critical decision: to leave home and pursue her education in England or stay with her family and endure their abuse.
* This decision represents a significant turning point, as it forces Adeline to confront her difficult reality and choose a path for her own future.
* The tension builds as Adeline weighs the options, the potential benefits of leaving against the guilt and fear of defying her family.
The Climax:
* Adeline chooses to leave home and pursue her education abroad. This decisive action marks the climax of the rising action and sets the stage for the next phase of her life.
* This choice demonstrates Adeline's resilience, her determination to break free from the chains of her dysfunctional family, and her pursuit of a better life for herself.
Therefore, the rising action of "The Chinese Cinderella" portrays Adeline's journey from being a neglected child to a young woman facing a critical decision that will shape her destiny. This journey is characterized by the emotional abuse she experiences, her struggle to find her place within the family, and her growing desire to forge her own path.