Analysis of Theme of Identity in Amy Tan’s "Two Kinds"

Introduction

Amy Tan is a Chinese American writer whose works explore the complexities of cultural identity, family relationships, and the immigrant experience. Her short story “Two Kinds” tells the story of a young Chinese American girl named Jing-mei who navigates the pressures and expectations of her mother in her pursuit of self-identity. This essay will explore the theme of identity and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, as portrayed in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds".

Analysis of Characters

A. Jing-mei (the protagonist)

As the central character of the story, Jing-mei represents the struggle of many second-generation immigrant children in America. She feels torn between her Chinese heritage and the American culture in which she is being brought up. Jing-mei is constantly trying to find her own identity while balancing her mother's expectations and societal norms.

Throughout the story, Jing-mei’s internal conflict and desire for autonomy is evident. She rejects her mother’s efforts to turn her into a prodigy, and instead seeks to pursue her own goals. With time, Jing-mei evolves and begins to embrace her unique identity.

Jing-mei’s relationship with her mother is also a significant aspect of her identity formation. At first, she is resentful of her mother's attempts to mold her into a prodigy, but as she grows older, she develops a better understanding of her mother's reasons.

B. Suyuan Woo (Jing-mei's mother)

Suyuan Woo is a first-generation immigrant who came to America after fleeing China. Her experiences have shaped her expectations and values, and she, in turn, tries to impress them upon her daughter. Her ultimate goal is to make Jing-mei a prodigy, which she believes would provide her with a better future.

While Suyuan's actions are in pursuit of what she believes is best for Jing-mei, they do have a negative impact on her daughter's self-confidence and personal growth. Her ultimate rejection of the prodigy mindset leads her to pursue a unique identity.

Theme of Identity

A. Exploration of Jing-mei's search for self-identity

Jing-mei's quest for self-identity is a major theme of the story. She is caught between two cultures, and this conflict is evident throughout the story. She struggles to reconcile the differences between her heritage and her upbringing in America, often conforming to societal expectations at the expense of her own desires.

Exploring Jing-mei's journey towards embracing a unique identity shows the challenges and joys of life as a second-generation immigrant. Her personal growth and acceptance of her unique cultural heritage is a relatable experience for many.

B. Complicated Relationship between Mother and Daughter

The complicated relationship between Jing-mei and her mother is a key aspect of the story. The contrast in values and expectations of the two generations reflects the larger generational gap between immigrants and their American-born children.

While there is tension and power dynamics between them, there is also love and concern. The story highlights the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, specifically the pressure to conform to cultural expectations while maintaining individuality.

Symbolism

A. Piano as a symbol of Jing-mei's identity

The piano represents Jing-mei's search for identity. Initially, her mother's pressure to become a prodigy creates a negative association with the instrument. However, as Jing-mei begins to embrace her individuality and autonomy, the piano becomes an outlet for her self-expression.

Jing-mei's choice to play her own composition at the recital, rather than the pre-selected piece, signifies her embrace of her unique identity and rejection of her mother's expectations.

B. The prodigy mindset as a symbol of cultural expectations

The prodigy mindset represents the cultural expectations placed on Jing-mei and other children of immigrants. It highlights the pressure to excel academically in order to secure a successful future.

Jing-mei's ultimate rejection of the prodigy mindset is a rebellion against these cultural expectations, signaling her personal growth, and the need to embrace her individuality.

Conclusion

The theme of identity and the relationship between mother and daughter is a complex and universal topic as illustrated by Amy Tan in “Two Kinds”. The story explores the challenges and joys of coming to terms with one's identity as a second-generation immigrant. Jing-mei's rejection of others' expectations in order to embrace her unique identity is a symbol of the personal growth that can be experienced by anyone seeking self-discovery.

The story is particularly significant given the current debates surrounding immigration and cultural assimilation in the United States. Exploring the themes of identity in “Two Kinds” highlights the emotional and personal struggles that many second-generation immigrants experience, which can often be lost in political discussions.

References

1. Tan, A. (1989). Two kinds. In The Joy Luck Club (pp. 89-125). New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
2. Wang, B. S. (2012). Negotiating the American Dream: Popular Articulations of the Chinese-American Experience in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Jade Snow Wong's Fifth Chinese Daughter. Clcweb: Comparative Literature and Culture, 14(3), 1-8.
3. Hsu, J. (2008). Identity, family dynamics, and cultural translation in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Contemporary Women's Writing, 2(3), 228-247.