Amy Tan Two Kinds Literary Analysis

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Amy Tan has developed an external theme of conflict within “Two Kinds.” The external conflict between mother and daughter is caused by their different life experiences and the overwhelming conflict within Jing-mei, of who her mother expects her to be and who she wants to be. The personalities of these women will be revealed through their language, actions and thoughts. Conflict will develop as their cultural beliefs and desires collide between these two kinds of women. The background and life experiences of both women shaped their different personalities thus breeding the conflict between them. The tragedy of the loss of her family in China by Jing-mei’s mother is why she placed all her faith in America. The American dream of being was a powerful influence on Jing-mei’s mother, a dream that now rested on Jing-mei. Her mother’s constant reminder “you can be …show more content…

The demanding nature of Jing-mei’s mother was in part because of her Chinese heritage. As a Chinese mother she valued obedience and her role was not to be questioned by her daughter as shown when she tells her “Only one kind of daughter can live in this house.” However, Jing-mei’s being raised in America sets her apart from her mother. The American dream to Jing-mei was her ability to choose who and what she wanted to be, her individuality. In a way, Jing-mei feels as though her mother is trying to channel herself through the success of Jing-mei. The culmination of the conflict came when Jing-mei decides to challenge her mother. Jing-mei tells her mother “I wish I were dead! Like them” these words cause her mother to stop in her tracks, it was the point her mother gives up any hope for all the desires she has for Jing-mei. As Jing-mei and her mother struggle to accept each other, find their own identities, and move forward, they do so at the cost of their personal

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