Themes: The American Dream
The American Dream has beckoned immigrants to the United States for generations, with promises of wealth, prosperity, equality, and opportunity. People like Jing-mei’s mother, who are fleeing violent and dangerous circumstances, view the United States as a land of boundless possibilities. This leads many immigrant parents to hold their children to incredibly high standards so that they might take advantage of the opportunities that their parents did not have. As a result, many immigrants cherish the American Dream not so much for themselves but for their children. Jing-mei’s mother left behind everything—her parents, her husband, her home, and her infant daughters—to come to the United States, and so she places all of her hopes for the future on Jing-mei. Jing-mei remarks that her mother “never looked back with regret” on her past, highlighting just how much faith her mother has in the American Dream.
Jing-mei struggles to understand her mother’s belief that anything is possible in the United States. On account of having been born and raised as an American, Jing-mei does not have the same relationship to the American Dream as her parents. Instead, she understands the limitations present in American society and struggles to define herself as an individual within a Chinese cultural enclave that demands obedience and respect from children. For Jing-mei, the American Dream has less to do with material wealth or status and more to do with expressions of individuality and the right to be unapologetically herself.
Expert Q&A
How does Amy Tan introduce the American Dream in "Two Kinds"?
In "Two Kinds," the American Dream is first presented as an almost-magical opportunity for everyone to live a life of fame. All that is required is a bit of work. By the end story, however, this vision of the American Dream is shattered.
What American values do Jing-mei and her mother share in "Two Kinds"?
In "Two Kinds," Jing-mei and her mother share American values such as freedom, self-determination, and individuality. Jing-mei's mother, an immigrant, values the freedom and opportunity America offers, while Jing-mei initially aspires to become a prodigy, reflecting her mother's belief in self-determination. Both also cherish the idea of fame, reflecting a national preoccupation. Moreover, they embody individuality, as Jing-mei desires to forge her own identity and not conform to her mother's expectations.
How do Jing Mei and her mother respond to American culture in "Two Kinds"?
In "Two Kinds," Jing Mei's mother embraces the American Dream, hoping her daughter will become a prodigy, reflecting American values of success and achievement. This leads to a strict, uncompromising parenting style, causing tension and rebellion from Jing Mei, who rejects her mother's expectations. While her mother sees American culture as an opportunity, Jing Mei resists, ultimately accepting a hybrid identity that includes defiance of her mother's rigid dichotomy between success and failure.
Why does Jing-mei long for fame and accomplishment in "Two Kinds"?
Jing-mei's longing for fame and accomplishment is primarily driven by her mother's aspirations rather than her own desires. Her mother wants Jing-mei to achieve success and recognition as a way to provide her with opportunities that she herself never had. This desire is also partly fueled by competition with Lindo Jong, whose daughter is a chess champion. Jing-mei, however, resists these expectations through passive resistance, not sharing her mother's ambitions.
America symbolizes opportunity and a new beginning for the narrator's mother in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan
In "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, America symbolizes opportunity and a new beginning for the narrator's mother, as it represents a land where she believes her daughter can achieve anything and fulfill the American Dream, contrasting with her own difficult past in China.
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