The Art of Hearing Heartbeats

Superstition and religious fervor are discussed throughout the narrative. A typical practice that Sendker describes involves individuals or families visiting the community sage, or astrologer, who practices numerology. Tin’s grandparents visit the astrologer weekly after the death of Tin’s uncle, hoping to avoid future catastrophes. Later in the narrative, another of Tin’s uncles, U Saw, abruptly brings him to Rangoon based on the advice of another astrologer so he can avoid a business setback. Omens also play a part in Kalaw’s cultural adherence to superstition. When Mya Mya gives birth to Tin on a Saturday in December, it is considered an omen. Mya Mya drags her husband to the astrologer to confirm her suspicions, where they receive a cryptic prediction that Tin will experience a medical problem—which, in turn, will lead to suffering. Following this prediction, any negative event reinforces Mya Mya’s belief that her son is cursed.

Sendker contrasts the superstitious practices of typical villagers with the life-affirming perspective of individuals like Su Kyi and U May. Su Kyi and U May believe that life is made up of fear and love, joy and pain—and that living a full life entails embracing both. Through this contrast, Sendker builds on the theme that superstition is a fear-based stance while acceptance of life is based on love. He implies that, in trying to avoid all potential negativity, the superstitious also inhibit life’s joys.