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
Analysis of the title and ending of "Two Kinds."
The title and ending of "Two Kinds" highlight the conflict between traditional and modern values. Jing-mei’s mother insists there are "two kinds of daughters: those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind," demanding obedience. The story, part of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, explores Jing-mei's struggle against her mother's expectations, culminating in her acceptance of the piano as a symbol of her individuality.
The significance of the title "Two Kinds" and its relation to the piano pieces "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented."
The title "Two Kinds" signifies the duality in Jing-mei's relationship with her mother and her struggle for identity. The piano pieces "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented" symbolize the different phases of Jing-mei's life—her childhood filled with conflict and her eventual acceptance and contentment as an adult, highlighting the contrasting yet interconnected aspects of her journey.
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," 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.
An analysis of Jing-mei's character, her likes and dislikes, the factors shaping her identity, and how Amy Tan conveys her feelings in "Two Kinds."
Jing-mei's character in "Two Kinds" is shaped by her struggle with her mother's high expectations and her own desire for independence. She dislikes her mother's pressure to become a prodigy and the comparisons to other children. Jing-mei's identity is influenced by cultural expectations and her rebellion against them. Amy Tan conveys Jing-mei's feelings through her internal conflicts and evolving self-awareness.
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.
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.
How does the image of the "Chinese Shirley Temple" indicate the themes of "Two Kinds"?
The image of the "Chinese Shirley Temple" in "Two Kinds" symbolizes themes of the American Dream, materialism, and fame. It reflects the mother's belief that success in America equates to wealth and celebrity status. She envisions her daughter achieving this ideal, embodying her aspirations of success through fame and fortune, much like Shirley Temple, indicating the pressures and expectations placed on the daughter to fulfill her mother's vision of success.
The portrayal of self-identity and cultural influence in "Two Kinds."
"Two Kinds" portrays self-identity and cultural influence through the conflict between Jing-mei and her mother, Suyuan. Jing-mei struggles with her mother's relentless push for her to become a prodigy, which leads her to reject these imposed expectations and assert her own identity. This rebellion climaxes when Jing-mei declares she will never be the daughter her mother wants, marking her full embrace of self-identity.
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.
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