Conflict and Conflicts in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan

From the first page of Amy Tan's "Two Kinds," conflict is introduced as a central theme in the story. The relationship between the protagonist, Jing-mei, and her mother is fraught with tension, as they struggle to find common ground and understand each other's expectations. Through various conflicts, Tan explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the pursuit of identity, and the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. This essay will delve into the conflicts in "Two Kinds" and analyze their implications, shedding light on the broader themes of the story.

The primary conflict in "Two Kinds" lies in the clash of desires and expectations between Jing-mei and her mother. Jing-mei's mother, a Chinese immigrant, envisions her daughter as a prodigy, hoping that she will fulfill the American Dream through exceptional talent. However, Jing-mei resents her mother's relentless push for perfection and rebels against her mother's expectations, leading to constant conflict.

This conflict is evident when Jing-mei is forced to take piano lessons. Jing-mei's resistance to learning the piano symbolizes her defiance against her mother's dreams. When she realizes that she cannot meet her mother's expectations of becoming a prodigy, she purposefully sabotages her piano recital, causing a major confrontation with her mother.

Besides the external conflict with her mother, Jing-mei also experiences an internal conflict. She grapples with her own feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform to her mother's expectations. Jing-mei struggles to find her own identity and reconcile her desires with her mother's ambitions.

This internal conflict is exemplified when Jing-mei discovers her hidden talent for storytelling. In her attempt to rebel against her mother's wishes, Jing-mei joins a talent show and decides to perform a piano piece she has not practiced. However, she fails miserably and realizes that she cannot escape her mother's dreams. This conflict within herself highlights the internal struggle Jing-mei faces in trying to define her own path.

Another layer of conflict in "Two Kinds" arises from the clash of cultures. Jing-mei's mother holds onto traditional Chinese values and beliefs, while Jing-mei grows up in America and embraces Western ideals. This cultural divide leads to misunderstandings and disagreements between them.

For example, Jing-mei's mother believes in the Chinese concept of "the American Dream," where anyone can become successful with enough hard work. However, Jing-mei, influenced by American culture, questions the validity of this dream and resents her mother's insistence on pursuing it. This clash of cultural values adds another dimension to the conflicts in the story.

The conflicts in "Two Kinds" demonstrate the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the search for identity, and the clash of cultures. Through Jing-mei's struggles, Amy Tan explores the universal themes of parental expectations, individuality, and the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. The conflicts presented in the story serve as a mirror to the conflicts many individuals face in their own lives, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal desires with familial expectations. "Two Kinds" reminds us that conflict is an inherent part of human relationships, but it is through navigating these conflicts that we can find our own paths and ultimately discover who we truly are.