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
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.
Jing-mei's relationship with her mother and the impact of her expectations in "Two Kinds."
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan explores the complex relationship between Jing-mei and her mother, Suyuan, marked by cultural clashes and conflicting expectations. Suyuan, driven by her immigrant aspirations, pressures Jing-mei to become a prodigy, hoping to secure a better future. However, Jing-mei resists, seeking self-determination and rejecting her mother's expectations. This tension leads to a significant conflict, with Jing-mei ultimately striving for her own identity. The story highlights generational and cultural differences, illustrating the struggle between parental ambition and individual autonomy.
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.
Jing-Mei's mother's desires and needs for her in "Two Kinds" from The Joy Luck Club
Jing-Mei's mother desires for her daughter to become a prodigy, reflecting her own aspirations and the high expectations she has for Jing-Mei's success and fulfillment. She believes that with hard work and determination, Jing-Mei can achieve greatness and bring honor to the family.
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