Change is a theme in "A Pair of Tickets" by Amy Tan. Images used in the story indicate change, such as Jing-Mei's passport picture and the Polaroid pictures she takes.

Jing-mei's identity as a Chinese American is tested and strengthened over the course of the novel. She starts out anxious about her heritage and whether she can "pass for Chinese," but ultimately feels more closely connected to her Chinese background than she had anticipated.

When Jing-mei arrives in Guangzhou, she finds many familiar elements, such as Western-style clothing, crowded buses, and American-style hotel amenities, reflecting her life in San Francisco. However, exotic details also stand out, like the shorter stature of locals, the Cantonese dialect, bamboo scaffolding, and shampoo resembling hoisin sauce. These observations highlight the blending of her American and Chinese identities, emphasizing both familiarity and exoticism in her journey of self-discovery.

In The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan explores the American Dream, Chinese-American culture, and generational conflict by depicting the struggles and triumphs of Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. The novel highlights cultural clashes, differing values, and the pursuit of success, revealing the complexities of identity and the intergenerational transmission of hopes and expectations.

Why is the opening scene an appropriate setting for Jing-Mei's remark that she is "becoming Chinese"? The Joy Luck Club, where Jing-Mei takes her mother's place, is a symbol of her mother’s past. By stepping into this club and engaging with the stories of its members, Jing-Mei begins to “become Chinese.

An-mei's experiences highlight the significance of tradition and culture through symbolic events and familial connections. Her scar, from spilling hot soup, serves as a permanent reminder of her mother and the shame tied to her role as a concubine, illustrating how tradition marks individuals. Additionally, her mother's act of cutting her arm to honor her own mother underscores the deep, enduring ties between daughters and their ancestors, reflecting the pervasive influence of cultural heritage.

Jing-Mei struggles to embrace her Chinese identity due to her mother's pressure to succeed and constant comparisons to others, which make her feel inadequate. Her lack of understanding of the Chinese language and culture also contributes to her alienation. However, after joining the Joy Luck Club and replacing her mother, she gains appreciation for her heritage. This realization is solidified when she travels to China to meet her half-sisters, helping her fully embrace her identity.

June May frequently compares China to America due to the cultural clash she experiences between her Chinese heritage and American upbringing. Her mother's unrealistic expectations, based on traditional Chinese values, exacerbate this conflict, leading June to struggle with her dual identity. Poor communication with her mother further complicates her understanding of her family's background. This cultural dichotomy is a central theme in The Joy Luck Club, highlighting the generational and cultural tensions faced by the characters.

Upon arriving in Guangzhou, June finds a mix of the familiar and exotic. She is surprised by China's modern aspects, like skyscrapers and hotel amenities, contrasting her expectations of antiquity. This realization makes her reflect on her identity, as the "Chineseness" within her emerges. June also compares China to America, noting the blend of past and present, and is struck by her sisters' resemblance to their mother, challenging her perceptions of them as infants.

Rose is the person who realizes that "she was American too." Rose's mother also feels that she is American. So her mother tries to stop her from dating a white boy. But, Rose thinks that she has the right to date any guy she wants because she is American too. Her mother later tells her that if the relationship with the white boy continues, the boy will be less understanding when they have their first child because they are not Chinese. Rose then decides to break up with him.