The author, Balzac influences many characters in the novel who would normally not even consider some pleasurable aspects of life Balzac's novels cover. Although his influences were intended to be good, some were bad (as Mao feared they would be).
The narrator and Luo were shocked when they discovered the little Chinese Seamtress had left. What could possibly have made her want to leave? Finally, in her last words to Luo, she claims, "...a woman's beauty is treasure beyond price" (Sijie 184). Balzac influenced the Seamstress to think that there was a better life out in the city, where she would be valued more than she is on the Phoenix Mountain. In this case, Balzac caused her to do an extremely rash and bold move.
http://image30.webshots.com/30/1/46/86/243814686RSxACL_ph.jpg
