An Analysis of The Story The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

The Structure of the Novel

The story, ‘The Joy Luck Club’ by Amy Tan is divided into four sections, and each section contains four stories that explore the relationship between a mother and daughter, resulting in sixteen stories in this book. This narrative is organized in a manner that mirrors the way Chinese people play the game known as mahjong. The story delves into the conflict between Chinese mothers and their American-raised daughters. There are four mothers and four daughters in this book. The characters are Suyuan Woo, Lindo Jong, Ying-ying St. Clair, An-Mei Hsu, June Woo, Waverly Jong, Lena St. Clair, and Rose Hsu.

Exploring Major Themes

The novel primarily focuses on the relationships between mothers and daughters. The mothers are expected to listen to everything their husbands say and never challenge authority. However, their American daughters are independent and often do the opposite of what their mothers do. Although the daughters and mothers have different cultures, traditions, and countries of origin, what remains unchanged is their relationship with each other. They are irrevocably connected, despite their differences.

The American Dream is another significant theme in this story. It evolves from generation to generation. For the mothers, it is about creating a successful future with privileges, while for the daughters, it is about having the freedom to pursue their opportunities and make their own choices. The daughters often feel disconnected from their Chinese background and strive to fit in with American culture. This sense of disconnection creates tension but also a unique identity.

The Role of Setting and Marriage

The settings in this book are crucial and serve as a thematic element, reflecting the characters' feelings. Love and marriage are also central themes in the novel. Both mothers and daughters experience unhappy or challenging marriages, but the concept of marriage varies across generations. For the mothers, marriage is a responsibility, a permanent arrangement often not based on love, and often entered into because their parents wanted them to. For the daughters, marriage is about love and being true to oneself. It represents a time of personal freedom and self-expression.

The Importance of Language and Belief

Language plays a vital role in this novel. While some characters are meant to speak Chinese, the language spoken carries deep meaning regardless. Both mothers and daughters share a belief in ghosts, spirits, and reading signs. The mothers consider it necessary to teach their daughters about the spiritual world, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage. Sacrifice and suffering are the final major themes. Every character makes sacrifices for their loved ones, even if it means enduring suffering. The mothers, in particular, sacrifice for their daughters to provide them with better opportunities.

Concluding Thoughts

After reading this novel, I gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and traditions. The story provides a rich exploration of Asian American cultures and the complex relationships between mothers and their daughters.

References

Amy Tan. (1989). The Joy Luck Club. New York: Putnam.

Tan, A. (1989). The Joy Luck Club. New York: Putnam.