Research Paper On Donald Duk

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In the novel, Donald Duk, by Frank Chin the protagonist is a young boy who is turning twelve years old during Chinese New Year. Donald Duk, like any epreteen, is self-conscious and filled with angst. Struggling to find himself, much less his identity in terms of his ethnicity, he is overwhelmed by the culture he is exposed to. Donald Duk and his family live in Chinatown, which is the epicenter of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Growing up Chinese was very difficult for Donald as the children at school made fun of him. As a result, Donald Duk finds his Chinese culture to be unappealing and does not identify as a Chinese-American. Throughout the novel, Donald Duk perpetuates an American identity by aspiring to be Fred Astaire and in the process; …show more content…

To Donald, Larry Louie is not very impressive and he states that he doesn’t respect him. Initially, he essentially mocks Larry for being interested in flamenco and states that Astaire wouldn’t possibly be interested in it himself (54). The Chinese Fred Astaire ultimately becomes an influential character that Donald can relate to. Through this, Donald Duk comes to terms with realizing that being Chinese takes nothing away from being American, especially if The Chinese Fred Astaire can do so. This is conveyed in the following when Donald’s mother asks him to participate in bai sun with The Chinese Fred Astaire, “He is schocked to see Larry Louie the Chinese Fred Astaire get down o his hands and knees and kowtow like a kid” (Chin 66). Although shocked at this sight, he is exposed to one of the influential characters within the novel. The Chinese Fred Astaire is a pivotal character in facilitating Donald’s road to acceptance. Donald Duk begins to identify with The Chinese Fred Astaire and his love of dance, but also his respect and reverence towards the Chinese culture. Through this, Donald Duk realizes that wanting to emulate Fred Astaire does not mean that he has to give up his Chinese

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