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 own identity and independence.
The primary conflict arises from the mother's insistence on molding Jing-Mei into a musical prodigy, reflecting her belief in the American dream. The mother, having endured hardships in China, sees her daughter's potential success as a fulfillment of her own aspirations. She enrolls Jing-Mei in piano lessons, envisioning a future of fame and accomplishment. However, Jing-Mei resists, feeling pressured and misunderstood. Her struggle is not only with the piano but with her mother's expectations, leading to a deep-seated resentment.
The cultural clash between Chinese and American values further intensifies the conflict. Jing-Mei's mother adheres to traditional Chinese beliefs, valuing obedience and family honor. In contrast, Jing-Mei embodies American individualism, desiring to forge her own path. This is evident in her defiance during a heated argument, where her mother declares, "Only two kinds of daughters," she shouted in Chinese. "Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind! Only one kind of daughter can live in this house. Obedient daughter!" Jing-Mei's refusal to conform highlights the tension between her desire for autonomy and her mother's expectations.
The symbolic song "Pleading Child" encapsulates Jing-Mei's internal conflict and her relationship with her mother. The song, paired with "Perfectly Contented," represents the duality of Jing-Mei's journey. As a child, she struggles with the "Pleading Child" aspect, marked by frustration and misunderstanding. As an adult, she realizes the two pieces are parts of the same song, reflecting her growth and acceptance of her identity. "And for the first time, or so it seemed, I noticed the piece on the right-hand side. It was called 'Perfectly Contented.' I tried to play this one as well. It had a lighter melody but with the same flowing rhythm and turned out to be quite easy." This realization signifies her reconciliation with her past and her mother's dreams.
Jing-Mei's relationship with her cousin Waverly adds another layer to the conflict. Waverly, a successful chess champion, represents the obedient child who fulfills her mother's dreams. Jing-Mei's rivalry with Waverly underscores her struggle to assert her individuality. While Waverly embodies the success her mother desires, Jing-Mei's rebellion against such expectations highlights her quest for self-definition.
Expert Q&A
What is the main conflict in "Two Kinds"?
The main conflict in "Two Kinds" is the struggle between the daughter and her mother, stemming from the mother's aspiration for her daughter to live the American dream. The mother, an Asian immigrant, pushes her daughter to become a prodigy, which initially the daughter supports. However, as the daughter grows, she resists her mother's dream, wanting to live her own life. This conflict eventually resolves when the mother gifts the daughter a piano, accepting her for who she is.
In "Two Kinds", what is the conflict between Jing-Mei and her cousin Waverly?
The conflict between Jing-Mei and her cousin Waverly centers around familial expectations and personal identity. Waverly, a successful chess prodigy, represents the ideal of achievement that Jing-Mei's mother desires for her. Jing-Mei, however, rebels against this pressure, especially regarding her piano lessons, wanting to be accepted for who she is rather than what her mother wants her to be. This tension mirrors Jing-Mei's broader struggle with her mother's expectations and her own independence.
Symbols and conflict in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds"
In "Two Kinds," symbols like the piano represent the mother's ambitions and the daughter's struggle for independence. The central conflict is between Jing-mei and her mother, who imposes high expectations on her daughter to become a prodigy, leading to a clash of wills and cultural values.
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