Two Kinds Essay Example for Free

twain Kinds EssayTwo Kinds is set in modern United States and basic eachy involves two main shells of Chinese descent Jing-mei and her mother. In the explanation, Jing-mei, a progeny Chinese-American portrayed her mother as an overbearing and demanding woman who constantly tried to train her daughter to pursue a life destined for fame- either as a talented young actress, a splendour in geography, or a musical prodigy (Your Faxed Readings, p. 180-182). Jing-mei did not quite comprehend at first how her mother could persistently force upon her a future she did not want to submit any part of. She fenced against her mothers will, not fully comprehending the reasons why her mother wanted her to be more than what she thought she was.As it was later on revealed in the story, her mothers ways and beliefs root from the tragedies she encountered in her life before she came to America. Jing-meis mother went d cardinal terrible times in China. She lost her babies and had to bark to be able to reach the come of milk and honey. Reaching a new and prosperous land enabled her to start over, and she acquired a renewed sense of hope, along with the belief that in America, you can be all you want to beMy mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America. You could open a restaurant. You could flex for the government and get good retirement. You could buy a house with almost no money down. You could constrain rich. You could become instantly famous.Of course, you can be a prodigy, too, my mother told me when I was nine. (p. 180)The story goes on to flourish on the mothers past and her subsequent actions that affected her American-raised daughter. The story shows that after hurdling through obstacles in life, Jing Meis mother probably realized that anything was possible. Hers was a showcase who believed that if she went through conflagration in China but still made it to America then anything was possible, especially for a electric razor rais ed in this land abounding in prosperity. Looking at it from this perspective, one could surmise that this explained why, as portrayed in the story, she was overbearing and appe atomic number 18d to expect a lot from her daughter. Her expectations stemmed from what she had acquired from her surviving her misfortunes. As a mother who went through capital adversity in life, she could not help but have senior high school expectations for a daughter to whom she had afforded countless opportunities by raising her in America. With her daughters resistance to obey, she entangle that Jing-mei was not taking full advantage of the opportunities that were made procurable to herMy mother slapped me.Who ask you to be genius? she shouted. Only ask you be your best. For you sake. You think I want you to be genius? Hnnh What for Who ask youSo ungrateful, I heard her mutter in Chinese, If she had as much talent as she has temper, shed be famous now. (p. 183)It is evident in these lines that the mo ther was disappointed with Jing-mei. It seemed to her that her daughter was being unappreciative of everything that had been made available for her.On the other hand, the character of Jing-mei was portrayed as a stubborn and willful child. Jing-meis determination not to be what her mother wants her to be stems from her resolve not to let her mother channelize her.And then I saw what seemed to be the prodigy side of me a face I had never seen before. I looked at my reflection, blinking so that I could see more clearly. The girl staring back at me was angry, powerful. She and I were the same. I had new thoughts, willful thoughts or rather, thoughts filled with lots of wonts. I wont let her change me, I promised myself. I wont be what Im not. (p. 181-182)From these lines Jing-meis character is reflected as someone who often give tongue to that she wanted to be who she is and who vehemently refused to be someone she was not. Although later on she recognized that she could have been great if she did try to be, the story further showed that till the end of that part of her childhood, she was determined not to (p. 183).Two Kinds is one of the multitudes of stories from Amy Tans The Joy Luck Club. Essentially, it deals with the dynamics of the relationship between mothers and daughters. It gives a idle perspective about the complexities of such kinship in the eyes of Chinese immigrants in an American Society. It deals with cultural differences and generation gaps, as well as the issue of establishing identity. This short story can be cleft into several areas of interest, all rich in symbolism. It reflects society in various levels of human interaction.While the spot of the story circles around the struggle between Jing-mei and her mother, a one may derive a deeper conflict, forth from the prima facie squabble between the mother and the daughter, that exists within it, comparable to one that is in society.If one looks closely, the mothers character represents individuals who believe that the past can be buried and forgotten once success is achieved. She represents the people who struggle everyday to overcome the ghosts of the past in order to provide for the future. The mother also stands for the people who are trying to compensate for things left undone or mistakes committed. Though their intentions may be good, there is a point where their zealousness in making up for the past becomes a burden that shackles them to what they are trying to escape.Meanwhile, Jing-meis character represents individuals who are in constant journey to find their identities amidst influential forces. It alludes to people caught between two cultures in two different time zones. Jing Mei also represents the young who, at a trying coiffe in their life, have to cope with the added responsibility of bridging the cultural gap between immigrant parents in modern-day America.On the other hand, the dynamics of the relationship between Jing-Mei and her mother represen t the perennial and unavoidable conflicts between parents and their children. It speaks of expectations, of disappointment, of pride, of contuse and of differences and of finding ones own identity. It reminds readers how one can never pick his kin and though it may become an uphill battle, what matters is that one learns to accept the family he is given, for who they are.Furthermore, in a very penetrating but compelling way, Two Kinds also urges its readers to think about their past and where they are heading .This story prompts one to look at things in perspective find a way to come to scathe with the past, be thankful of the present and look forward to the future with optimism.That being said, Two Kinds, with the infusion of literary brilliance, creativity and true-to-life experiences has proved to be a true testament of Amy Tans artistic brilliance- both for its literary content and social reflection. This story is but, one of a kind.Works CitedTan, Amy. Two Kinds. Title of t he book of your faxed readings. kettle of fish Publisher, Year Published. pages 180-187.