Two Kinds Themes

The main themes in “Two Kinds” are parental expectations, the American Dream, and identity. 

  • Parental expectations: The disconnect between Jing-mei’s desires and her mother’s expectations leads to conflict and resentment. 
  • The American Dream: Jing-mei and her mother have disparate versions of what the American Dream is, with Jing-mei’s mother dreaming of success and prosperity, while Jing-mei embraces individuality and freedom.
  • Identity: Jing-mei’s struggle to remain true to herself highlights the generational and cultural gap between herself and her mother.

Themes: All Themes

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Themes: Parental Expectations

Parents, and perhaps especially immigrant parents, often project their own desires and hopes onto their children. Typically, such projections stem from the desire for their children to have good lives, and Jing-mei’s mother remarks that she only ever wanted Jing-mei to try her hardest for her own sake. Jing-mei’s mother sacrificed everything in order to come to the United States, and understandably, she wants Jing-mei to take advantage of the...

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Themes: The American Dream

The American Dream has beckoned immigrants to the United States for generations, with promises of wealth, prosperity, equality, and opportunity. People like Jing-mei’s mother, who are fleeing violent and dangerous circumstances, view the United States as a land of boundless possibilities. This leads many immigrant parents to hold their children to incredibly high standards so that they might take advantage of the opportunities that their parents...

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Themes: Identity

Themes of personal and cultural identity are central to many immigrant narratives, as people endeavor to balance their existing sense of self with their new surroundings. This challenge is only exacerbated by intergenerational differences, as children born in the United States often struggle to feel connected to the customs and values of their parents. For Jing-mei’s mother, living in the United States is a dream that she fought and sacrificed...

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Themes: Mother-Daughter Relationship

The theme of the mother-daughter relationship in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan is central to the story, highlighting the clash between a mother's expectations and a daughter's desire for independence. The story explores how cultural differences and personal aspirations can create tension and misunderstanding between generations. Jing-Mei's mother dreams of her daughter becoming a prodigy, reflecting her immigrant hopes for success in America. However,...

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Themes: Conflict

The theme of conflict in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan centers on the clash between a mother and daughter, rooted in cultural expectations and personal aspirations. The story explores the generational and cultural divide between Jing-Mei, an American-born daughter, and her mother, an immigrant from China. This conflict is driven by the mother's desire for her daughter to achieve the American dream and become a prodigy, while Jing-Mei seeks to assert her...

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Expert Q&A

Understanding the Problem, Goal, and Central Theme in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds"

In Amy Tan's "Two Kinds," the main goal is for Jing-Mei to become a prodigy, fulfilling her mother's immigrant dream of success in America. The central problem is the clash between Jing-Mei's defiance and her mother's expectations. The story explores the cultural divide and communication difficulties between the mother and daughter, highlighting their differing views on success and identity.

Themes and Motifs in "Two Kinds"

"Two Kinds," a short story by Amy Tan, explores themes of the American Dream, cultural identity, and generational conflict. The American Dream motif is significant, as Jing-Mei's mother believes in limitless opportunities in America and pushes her daughter to excel, symbolizing the immigrant experience. Themes include the mother's desire for her daughter to achieve her potential, the complex mother-daughter relationship, and the struggle for self-identity. The story highlights cultural tensions and the evolving dynamics between immigrant parents and their American-born children.

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Themes: Parental Expectations

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