Student Question

Is Jing-Mei a static character in "Two Kinds"?

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Jing-Mei is a dynamic character in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds." Initially, she believes she must obey her mother to fulfill the American dream and avoid being the "wrong kind of daughter." However, she evolves to understand her individuality and the importance of pursuing her own path. Her refusal to play the piano at a competition marks a significant personal breakthrough and highlights her development, despite expressing her resistance harshly to her mother.

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In Amy Tan’s story “Two Kinds,” Jing-Mei is a dynamic character, not a static character. She grows considerably during the course of the action. The girl initially believes that her mother is right, and that it is her responsibility to act obediently. To do otherwise would not only mean disappointing her mother, but also would lead to failure and not living up to the American dream. As her mother phrases it, she would be the wrong kind of daughter. Jing-Mei grows to realize that she is her own person and can only be a singular daughter: herself. Although she can believe in the importance of success, it will not necessarily take the form that her mother desires but rather will be achieved by following her own path. Refusing to play the piano in the competition is an important breakthrough that shows her development, even though her resistance is expressed through speaking cruelly to her mother.

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