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 for; therefore, her desire for Jing-mei to become an American success story is deeply rooted in her identity as an immigrant. For all that she values the opportunities presented by living in the United States, Jing-mei’s mother also maintains many of her culturally Chinese values and customs, expecting obedience from her daughter and refusing to discuss her personal traumas and emotions.
By contrast, Jing-mei struggles to relate to her mother’s values and ways of communicating. She cannot understand her mother’s fixation on having her become a child prodigy because she was born in the United States and does not regard it with the same sense of boundless opportunity that her mother does. Jing-mei exemplifies the struggle of many first-generation Americans to balance their ethnic heritage with their American values. The struggle is often twofold, as their racial identity bars them from fitting in with White American society, while their Americanized values prevent them from identifying fully with their parents’ culture.
The theme of identity in “Two Kinds” is also explored at the level of the individual. When it becomes clear that she is not a child prodigy, Jing-mei becomes fixated on establishing a sense of identity that is divorced from her mother’s lofty expectations. As a result, she comes to value the “right to fall short of expectations” and refuses to put effort into playing the piano on the principle that she does not wish to be anything other than what she is. Rather than striving to please her mother or gain the approval of others, Jing-mei decides not to let anyone else change her. Though her stubborn insistence prevents her from becoming a piano prodigy or graduating college, it also gives her the necessary strength to carve out her own identity in a world that asks her to define herself based on artificial notions of success.
Expert Q&A
In "Two Kinds," does Jing-Mei seeing "Perfectly Contented" and "Pleading Child" as "two halves of the same song" imply she can be both yet remain one?
Jing-Mei seeing "Perfectly Contented" and "Pleading Child" as "two halves of the same song" implies she can embody both identities while remaining whole. This realization reflects her complex relationship with her mother, suggesting that despite their differences, they share similarities. As an adult, Jing-Mei recognizes that her struggles and contentment are interconnected, representing a reconciliation with her past and her mother's aspirations for her.
How do Chinese and American cultures contribute to the conflicts in "Two Kinds"?
The conflicts in "Two Kinds" arise from the clash between Chinese and American cultural values. Jing-mei's mother, shaped by Chinese traditions, values obedience and family honor, expecting her daughter to excel as a prodigy. Conversely, Jing-mei embodies American individualism, prioritizing personal freedom and self-identity over parental expectations. This cultural divide is intensified by historical influences, such as the mother's traumatic past and the allure of the American Dream, creating tension between traditional and modern values.
What does Jing-mei discover about herself in paragraph 15 of "Two Kinds"?
In paragraph 15 of “Two Kinds,” Jing-mei discovers her rejection of a parent-pleasing self and her acceptance of a strong and autonomous identity. She admits to hating and resenting the tests that her mother administers in order to make her daughter into a prodigy. Jing Mei also realizes that she is truly separate from and resistant to her mother’s perception of an obedient daughter worthy of high expectations.
In "Two Kinds," why are "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented" considered two halves of the same song?
"Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented" are considered two halves of the same song because they represent the dual aspects of Jing-mei's relationship with her mother. As a child, Jing-mei felt pressured and unhappy ("Pleading Child"), but as she matures, she understands her mother's intentions and feels content ("Perfectly Contented"). This shift in perspective shows the complexity and growth in their relationship.
In "Two Kinds," what realization does the daughter have when she becomes angry at her mirror reflection?
In "Two Kinds," the daughter, Jing-Mei, realizes her true self and defiance when she becomes angry at her mirror reflection. Despite her mother's attempts to mold her into a prodigy, Jing-Mei cracks under the pressure and develops self-esteem issues. In a moment of self-loathing, she sees her "sad and ugly" reflection but then has an epiphany, realizing she cannot meet her mother's expectations and resolves not to let her mother change her.
What's significant about Jing-Mei's discovered song halves in Two Kinds?
Jing-Mei's discovery of the song halves, "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented," symbolizes her personal growth and acceptance of herself. Initially seeking her mother's approval, Jing-Mei evolves into someone content with her identity. The songs reflect a universal journey from seeking parental approval to achieving self-contentment, highlighting the transition from childhood dependency to adult autonomy.
Why does the narrator in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan start performing "listlessly" and decide not to let her mother change her?
Jing-mei performs "listlessly" because she resists her mother's pressure to become a musical prodigy, a role she has no interest in. Her mother, a Chinese immigrant, wants her to succeed like Waverly, a chess champion, to compete with another mother. Jing-mei's lack of enthusiasm is her rebellion against this pressure and a declaration of her independence, refusing to be molded into someone she isn't. It is her way of punishing her mother for her controlling nature.
How do the song titles and the mother's statement symbolize Jing-mei's life?
Why does Jing-Mei rebel in "Two Kinds", despite it being common for children to rebel?
Jing-Mei rebels against her mother's expectations because her mother, a Chinese immigrant, imposes her own unfulfilled dreams on Jing-Mei, insisting she become a prodigy. Initially, Jing-Mei is excited to achieve perfection, but repeated failures lead her to self-loathing. Ultimately, Jing-Mei decides to resist her mother's attempts to mold her into something she is not, asserting her own identity and rejecting the pressure to be "perfect."
What are the "two kinds" according to the narrator's mother in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds"?
In "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, the narrator's mother, Suyuan, believes there are "two kinds" of daughters: obedient ones and those who follow their own minds. This binary view reflects her desire for Jing-mei to conform to her expectations, leading to a conflict where Jing-mei rejects her mother's pressure to become a prodigy. The disagreement highlights the cultural and generational tension between them, straining their relationship for years.
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