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 opportunities available to her. However, her insistence that Jing-mei be successful and talented often comes across as self-serving, as with her competitive bragging with Lindo Jong. Jing-mei comes to resent the idea that her mother is using her to bolster her own sense of “foolish pride,” and she sets out to “put a stop to it.”
Jing-mei does not start out resentful of her mother’s hopes for her. She is initially excited by the prospect of being a child prodigy and dreams of someday becoming the “perfect” daughter whom everyone loves and admires. However, her mother’s high expectations eventually become burdensome and negatively impact Jing-mei’s self-esteem. She views her lack of apparent genius as a source of failure and disappointment. Her grief over recognizing herself as “ordinary” transforms into anger toward her mother, whose expectations were so lofty that Jing-mei believes they could only ever have been disappointed. Ultimately, although Jing-mei’s mother only wanted what was best for her daughter, her belief in Jing-mei’s potential genius only served to damage their relationship and discourage Jing-mei from putting effort into anything. Their story thus highlights the dangers of parental expectations that are out of sync with children’s desires.
Expert Q&A
What motivated Jing-Mei's mother to push her to become a prodigy in "Two Kinds"?
Jing-Mei's mother is motivated by a desire for her daughter to be a prodigy due to the success of her friend's daughter, Waverly, and the belief that America offers limitless opportunities. Having lost her family in China, Jing-Mei represents her last hope for success. She wants to instill in Jing-Mei the value of hard work and achievement, but her methods cause tension, leading to a conflict over obedience and independence.
In "Two Kinds," how does the mother pressure her daughter to change?
In Amy Tan's "Two Kinds," the mother exerts pressure on her daughter, Jing Mei, to change in several ways. She insists Jing Mei watch Shirley Temple films as "training" and even mimics the child star's hairstyle, which fails. After dinner, her mother tests Jing Mei's abilities, hoping to discover her potential to excel. Eventually, she decides Jing Mei can become a piano prodigy, arranging lessons with an ineffective teacher, which leads to a disastrous recital and a heated argument. Jing Mei's rebellion against her mother's pressure culminates in her deliberately underperforming in tests and a confrontation where she utters hurtful words.
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.
In "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, why does Jing-Mei's mother insist she continue piano after a poor performance?
Jing-Mei's mother insists she continue piano despite a poor performance because she desires an obedient daughter and hopes for her to become a prodigy. Her mother is determined not to give up on Jing-Mei's potential for success. She believes that only an obedient daughter can live in her house. Jing-Mei's defiance challenges her mother's expectations, leading to a conflict where her mother eventually relents after being deeply hurt by Jing-Mei's harsh words.
In "Two Kinds", how does the mother attempt to make her daughter a prodigy?
Jing-mei's mother attempts to make her a prodigy by subjecting her to various tests and activities, hoping to discover a hidden talent. Inspired by American success stories, she believes effort and desire can cultivate prodigious abilities. They try different skills, like acting and geography, but ultimately focus on piano, despite Jing-mei's lack of interest and effort. Her mother insists on perfection, believing Jing-mei can excel if she tries, but their attempts end in disappointment.
What does Jing-Mei mean by "I failed her many times" in "Two Kinds"? Did Jing-Mei fail her mother? What is Amy Tan's viewpoint?
Jing-Mei feels she "failed" her mother by not meeting her expectations of becoming a prodigy, as she refused to play piano, didn't excel in school, and dropped out of college. However, Amy Tan's story suggests that the mother's disappointment is not in Jing-Mei's lack of success, but in her lack of self-belief. The mother maintains faith in Jing-Mei's potential, indicating her disappointment isn't as severe as Jing-Mei perceives.
Why did the mother in "Two Kinds" have unrealistic expectations for her daughter?
In "Two Kinds," what are Waverly's mother's expectations and how does "luck" relate to them?
In "Two Kinds," Waverly's mother, Auntie Lindo, expects her daughter to be a prodigy, highlighting Waverly's success as a chess champion. This creates competitive tension with Jing-mei's mother, who feels pressure for her daughter to excel similarly. The term "luck" is used ironically; while Auntie Lindo suggests success is due to luck and talent, Jing-mei's mother believes it results from hard work. The ambiguity of "luck" reflects differing views on success and achievement.
Why does Jing-mei refuse to take piano lessons?
Initially, Jing-mei refuses to take piano lessons because her mother has been trying, for quite some time, to figure out a way in which Jing-mei might be a prodigy. Jing-mei feels that she has disappointed her mother all these times, and so she feels badly about herself and resentful of her mother. This continues after the piano recital: Jing-mei again refuses to practice because she is tired of feeling like a disappointment.
What reasons, beyond competition with Lindo Jong, might the narrator's mother in "Two Kinds" have for wanting her daughter to be a prodigy?
The narrator’s mother is so fixated on making her daughter a prodigy for three reasons: financial security, fame or “face,” and redemption. Initially, Jing-mei’s mother seems to be motivated by competition with Lindo Jong. The larger forces, as a result of past trauma and culture, are much more complex. To Jing-mei’s mother, the status of prodigy means money or riches, high respect from others, and the fulfillment of hope and potential lost to her older twin daughters.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
