-Paper
Wife "oh, well just leave her alone, I was kind enough to offer to help her make money".
The wife is rude by saying that to her mother-in-law.

-Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"George is such a good boy" Helena
She said these words to make George feel that his mother trust him a lot and makes him feel guilty of leaving her and marrying his girlfriend.

-Sundowner
"No doctor, tuan, but the bidan says Tijah is all right" – Aman
This shows that Aman is very traditional and still trust the bidan instead of going to consult a doctor.

-Tanjong Rhu
"Like a clove of garlic or what, talking about peeling my eye!" – Ah Ma
Ahma has a different point of view of things when Mr Li mentions about the operation,

-Evening under Frangipani
"He knew him armpits were circled in sweat"
This shows that Prakash is very nervous before his interview, showing that he is a nervous wreck under pressure

-Lee
"He disliked her tone 'They are your people too!"
Father does not like people to be rude, showing that he is a sensitive person. And furthermore, it is his daughter saying this to him.

-A History of Tea
"She drank lapsang souchong and I had oolong"
The different drinks that they drank shows the standard and the difference in class they have between each other.

-A Dream of China
"Don't leave me to die here. I have not long to live, I want to get out. Can you get me out?" – Uncle
The uncle said this as his desire to leave China is building up. And shows that the uncle has an intention to leave for singapore if he has any chance.

-Release
"The voice at the other end of the line sounded cool" Pg 145
This shows that the neighbours do not care about their neighbour and made alot of noise during night.

-An obituary for Fifth Aunt come late
"My aunt developed a bronchial cough that wouldn't go away"
This shows that the aunt was unhealthy and was already in a bad state of health.

-Corridor
"Thers are naughty kids - sometimes they pee on the stairs"
Grandmother has a wrong perspective of the kids in the neighbourhoob -First suggession = Naughty kids did it.

-Mid Autumn
She can be a doctor, make big money, find a good husband" - Pg 181
The mother has a high expection of a daughter and wants her to make it big.

-Hamid & the Hand of Fate
"If it happens, it happens, if not.. than its all God's will"
This saying made by Hamid show his strong belive in the religion and faith. Showing that he is a very religious person.

-Pastime
"as a hobby, he made up stories about the people he saw on the underground"
This shows that Tai Poh is unhappy with his job and his job is also very boring.
Hence he has to make up stories to "past time"