Two Kinds Mother

Two Kinds Mother
As we grow up, our mothers have played a significant impact on who we will become in our life.
Our mothers have been there for us when it seems that our world are crumbling, when we are
feeling sick with a stomach bug, but most importantly, our mothers will always be there when we
need them the most. In "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, it starts out with a mother who only wants to live
the American Dream. After losing her family in China, she comes to America with her daughter with
the hopes of reclaiming the loss of her family through the eyes of her daughter. As a little girl Ni kan
does as her mother dreams of but as the daughter get older she become disobedient towards her
mother. In the beginning, Ni Kan became "just as excited as her mother, maybe even more so" at the
idea of her becoming a prodigy (Tan, 223). She could imagine herself with many different talents
and she felt that once she "became perfect," (Tan, 223) her parents will never be disappointed with
her. Unfortunately, her mother has become so demanding of her that she is forced to take daily tests
at home. Ni Kan tells of "the tests are harder– multiplying numbers in my head without using my
hands, predicting the daily temperature in Los Angeles, New York, and London" (Tan, 223).
Ultimately, her mother talked her into taking piano lessons, this became the mother's center of her
judgement. As the story continues to reveal the many conflicts between mother and daughter. Ni
Kan explains of the enormous amount of pressure her mother was putting on her to become a
prodigy. She argues, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Most parents can relate to expressing frustrations that both mother and daughter feel when
expectations and dreams are not met. But one must learn to drown our pleas for the time being and
give ourselves space to learn one's self and there we can find contentment in being what we are and
not what someone else wants us to
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...

Two Kinds Conflict
In two kinds we find ourselves being the audience to a mother–daughter conflict. It is a conflict of
cultural differences, pain, disappointments. A story of a mother who puts all of her hopes and
dreams on to her daughter, wanting nothing more then for her to become a prodigy, live the life she
(or her two deceased twins) never could.
Jing–mei is the protagonist in the short story "Two Kinds". We are confronted with a young girl who
herself does not believe she has the talent or the looks to become a start. Initially she is beyond
eager to please her mother, make her mothers wishes for her come true. She wants nothing more
then to make her parents proud. She knows her parent's approval lies in her becoming a prodigy. Yet
as time passes we are confronted with a Jing–mei that slowly looses hope, the hope of ever fulfilling
her mother's dreams, for no matter how much effort Mrs. Woo puts in to molding her in to a child
prodigy, Jing–mei simply does not have the needed talent, or drive. Up until now she is a very
consistent character, we expect her to always follow her mother's lead, without rebellion, yet her
character changes towards the second half. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
One can almost get a sense of her soul crumbling with each test she fails. Jung–mei reaches a point
of utter darkness, not knowing who she is, or how she could ever be worth anything. Yet it is in this
moment that we see the biggest change in her character, it is the constant failure that ultimately
drives her to rebel, become the strong prodigy her mother wanted her to be. She is a very round
character, and undergoes many developments throughout her childhood, all the way in to adulthood.
In her rebellion against her mother lies her strength. She spends many years purposely rebelling
against her mother, it almost seems as if it has become her personal mission to not excel at life, just
to contra her

Amy Tan Two Kinds
"Two Kinds" is truly an amazing work; it captivates readers with by telling a story of a young girl
trying to find herself. Amy Tan does a phenomenal job, not only by portraying a very real mother–
daughter relationship, but at showing how much a young girl can change. Jing–Mei evolves
throughout the story in a way that many people can relate to; crushed hopes, obeying your parents
even if it means doing something you don't want to do, and finally standing up for what you believe
in. Since "You could be anything you wanted to be in America" (Tan 348) Jing–Meis' mother
thought that meant that you had to be a prodigy. While that makes "Everything [sound] too simple
and too easily achieved; [Jing–Mei] does not paint a picture of her ... Show more content on
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Jing–Mei tried the best she could but no matter how hard she tried she just didn't know the answers.
"After seeing [her] mother's disappointed face once again, something inside of [her] began to die.
[She] hated the tests, the raised hopes and failed expectations" (Tan 350). At this point in the story
the protagonist, Jing–Mei, slowly comes to the realization that "[She'll never be the kind of daughter
[her mother wants her] to be" (Tan 356). With the thought of not letting her mother change her Jin–
Mei began to try to make her mother "Give up hope" (Tan 350). "[She] pretended to be bored" so
that she would not have to take the tests. And it worked she was finally able to be herself, there was
no "mention of [her] being a prodigy" (Tan 351). But all too soon that changes, "One day [her]
mother was watching The Ed Sullivan Show on TV .She seemed entranced by the music [The
music] was being pounded out by a little Chinese girl, about nine years old, with a Peter Pan
haircut." But "In spite of these warning signs, [Jing–Mei] wasn't worried. [Her] family had no piano
and [they] couldn't afford to buy one" (Tan 351). Days after watching the show, Jing–Meis' mother
told her that she was to take piano lessons. "When [her] mother told [her] this, [Jing–Mei] felt as
though [she] had been sent to hell," but all the whining and kicking would not cause her mother to
deter her mother.
Jing–Mei found herself taking piano lessons that she did

Two Kinds By Amy Tan
Compare and contract "Tiger mom" and "Two kinds" In the story "Two kinds" by Amy Tan and the
story "tiger mom" by Annie Murphy Paul, characters Chua and Amy's mom they are both wants to
their child be better however, Chua is very ultra so that I think she is inhuman but Amy is not like
Chua that so extremely and inhuman. Firstly, both of them want to their child be better. In the story
"Two kinds" the paragraph 4 it's said "She would present new tests, taking her example from stories
of amazing children she had read" according to that we I can know Amy is a good mom which put a
big wise on her daughter. She always talking about amazing children that can show a mom wants
her child be as them because of Amy loved her child so she put a big ... Show more content on
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In the story "Tiger mom" paragraph 1 it's said "forced her 7–year–old daughter LuLu to practice for
hours on end – 'right though dinner into the night' with no breaks for water or even the bathroom
unit at last LuLu learned to play the piece." According to that I can see a mom so extremely strict
that like inhuman and ill–treat. Chua doesn't allow her child drink eat even the bathroom unit LuLu
achieved her goal. Then I think Chua is inhuman and ill–treat. In the story "Two kinds" the
paragraph 8 it's said "one night I had to look at a paper from the bible for three minutes and then
report everything I could remember. 'Now Jehoshaphat had riches in honor and abundance and...
that's all I remember, Ma' I said." According to that I can see a mom get a goal to her child. The goal
might be a litter weird but I think it just as a mom for her daughter's wise. And it's not same as Chua
ruled her child "No food No water No bathroom" but still Amy give her daughter a goal and ruled
her child rigorous. Therefore in "Tiger mom" Chua is very extremely strict as ill–treat but same role
in the story "Two kinds" Amy is not similar as

Amy Tan Two Kinds
There is a sense of pride to where one comes from whether it is because of the culture, people or the
environment. There is a beauty that stands out about where we call home. However, leaving home is
often essential in acquiring a better living and growth. In the short story "Two Kinds" the author,
Amy Tan depicts a story of migration and the expectations. The story is told in first person of Ni'kan
a young girl who is being brought up as a second–generation immigrant. There is a sense of non–
acceptance that seem to form over time based on the idealization of America, the land of
opportunities. The author really embraces how important setting is to growth and understanding of
an individual. Ni'kan's mother was a woman of adversities and tribulations.

Two Kinds
The central struggle in Amy Tan 's story "Two Kinds" is a battle of wills between the narrator, a
young Chinese American girl, and her mother, a Chinese immigrant. "Two Kinds" is a coming–of–
age story, in which the narrator, Jing–mei, struggles to forge her own sense of identity in the face of
her strong–willed mother 's dream that she become a "prodigy." Jing–mei is caught between her
Chinese mother 's traditional ideas about how to raise a daughter, and her own development as a
Chinese American girl straddling two cultures. Like many immigrants to the United States, Jing–mei
's mother has created idealized visions of her adopted country as a land of opportunity where all
dreams may be realized. The first line of the story introduces ... Show more content on
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Such a sad, ugly girl! The face Jing–mei first sees in the mirror is the face of who she is in her
mother 's eyes. "Trying to scratch out the face in the mirror" symbolizes her attempt to erase or
obliterate her mother 's image of her as a failure. Through this acknowledgment to herself that she is
not the person her mother wants her to be, she begins to glimpse an image of her own definition of
herself emerging from the mirror. And then I saw what seemed to be the prodigy side of me––
because I had never seen that face before. I looked at my reflection, blinking so I could see more
clearly. The girl staring back at me was angry, powerful. This girl and I were the same. I had new
thoughts, willful thoughts, or rather thoughts filled with lots of won 'ts. Through this insight, Jing–
mei for the first time articulates her determination to live by her own self–definition, rather than
those ill–fitting "selves" her mother continues to impose upon her: "I won 't let her change me, I
promised myself. I won 't be what I 'm not." As the story progresses, Jing–mei becomes more and
more openly defiant against her mother 's wishes. One night, she bursts out at her

Two Kinds By Amy Tan
Amy Tan had many personal experiences in her story. For example, when Amy Tan was living in
Northern California, her mother had very high expectations on her. Her mother wanted her to be
with the American society and be the best she could be. Amy Tan had to get a haircut very short to
the way other famous children were acting in the United States. Amy's mother was the one who
encouraged this. With that, in the story "Two Kinds," the young girl named Jing–mei live in a part of
California and she had to get a very short haircut. Jing–mei's mother wanted her daughter to look
and act the same way Shirley Temple did. Within both of the girls lives, they each had to act like an
already famous person exactly to please their mothers. In addition

The Two Kinds By Amy Tan
"In 2009, 33 million people in the United States were second generation immigrants, representing
11% of the national population. The children of such immigrants in the U.S., also known as "second
generation immigrants," experience a cultural conflict between that of their parents and that of
mainstream U.S. society" (Wikipedia 1). Amy Tan the author of "Two Kinds", and the young
character in the story both are a second generation immigrants, who have struggled in their life with
parents, about the culture they assimilating and their real culture. In the "Two Kinds" story the
author illustrates the struggle between her American cultural identity, and her mother's Chinese
culture, as like the characters in the story. The author shows what is the struggle and the conflict that
cultural differences creates. The author also uses symbolism, to address the conflicts between the
characters in the story. The biographical connection that the author "Amy Tan" draws in her short
story "Two Kinds" with her main character Jing–mei, crosses in more than one side. First of all, they
both are Chinese American whose struggle in their identities with their Chinese immigrant mothers.
"Due to a cultural conflict and lack of proper understanding of each other's perceptions" (Priya 1),
and as a big gap developed between the two daughters and their two mothers, in which resulted a
complex relationship between them. Secondly, both of the Amy and Jing mothers were cut off their
native culture, and

Two Kinds Figurative Language
Paulo Coelho once said "Don't waste your time on explanations, people only hear what they want to
hear." The quote said by Paul Coelho connects to the story as a mood of a life lesson within the main
character (narrator) that goes through major struggles throughout their life of trying to keep their
mother satisfied with their actions. The mood shows how each thing changes throughout time and
more. In the story "Two kinds" by Amy Tan, the author uses figurative language and descriptive
language to develop the mood of the story.
Amy tan uses figurative language to develop the mood in the story "Two Kinds". When describing
the narrator practicing with her instructor, she remarks herself by saying "I just played some
nonsense that sounded like ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A beginning would be when the narrator is taken to a beauty school by her mother, she is given a
haircut and states: "Instead of getting big fat curls, I emerged with an uneven mass of crinkly black
fuzz." The author uses words such as "Big fat curls" and "Even mass of crinkly black fuzz" to let the
reader visualize the look of the girl. This is an example of descriptive words. Another addition of
descriptive words is when the mother and daughter see a girl on television. The narrator states "The
girl had the sauciness of a Shirley Temple. She was proudly modest, like a proper Chinese Child".
The words such as "sauciness" and "modest" describe how the girl on the television seemed to look
and act like. The descriptive words help the reader understand what the narrator saw in this girl. It
gave off an ashamed mood from the narrator, since she herself could not satisfy her mother so easily.
A concluding example would be during the fight between the mother and daughter. She explains
how she reacted by announcing "I was sobbing by now, looking at her bitterly." The mood expressed
by her bitter words set off a defensive mood, showing how she was in tears and sobbing throughout
the argument. This helps the reader get a visual of how she looked like. The descriptive words
throughout the story provided by Amy Tan helps shape the mood of "Two kinds" by using.
In the story "Two kinds" by Amy Tan, the author uses multiple

Two Kinds of Ontological Commitment
Participants in the debate about òntological commitment' would benefit from distinguishing two
different ways of understanding the notion. If the question at issue is `what is said to be' by a theory
or `what a theory says there is', we are debating èxplicit' commitment, while if we ask about the
ontological costs or preconditions of the truth of a theory, we enquire into ìmplicit' commitment. I
defend a conception of ontological commitment as implicit commitment; I also develop and defend
an account of existentially quantified idioms in natural language which sees them as implicitly, but
not explicitly, committing. Finally, I use the distinction between two kinds of ontological
commitment to diagnose a flaw in a widely–used argument ... Show more content on
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If the theory contains the sentence `s exist' or `There are s', then the theory says that there are s, and
is ontologically committed to s. And of course, if the theory contains no such sentence, then it bears
no ontological commitment to s.
I shall describe ontological commitment of this kind as èxplicit' commitment. The question of
explicit commitment is the question of `what a theory says there is', understood as what is claimed
to exist in the course of propounding the theory. Such commitments are correctly described as
èxplicit' because they should be obvious to anyone who understands the language of the theory.
Indeed, it seems that whether a fragment of language bears explicit ontological commitment
depends on the beliefs and intentions with which it is used in a much more straightforward way than
we would grant for other properties within the theory of meaning: a reasonable principle is that a
sentence serves to assert the existence of, and hence is explicitly committed to, s only if its serious
assertoric use is largely confined to those who both have the relevant ontological belief, and intend
to express that belief by means of the sentence in question. It is because of this close connection
between explicit

Amy Tran's Two Kinds
Amy Tran's story of the "Two Kinds" is a story about mother and her daughter who has complicated
relationship and the relationship will deteriorate as the mother pushes her daughter to become a best
for everything. At the beginning of the story ,Amy give us the impression that mother wants her
daughter to become more productive and flourish in the society and to some degree to exceed
everything for the best because she did not had the chance that her daughter have today. The mother
was born and raised in china where she had lost her mother, her father, her first husband, her twin's
babies. It can be said the loss and tragedy has been vanished from her and she is only focused from
now on her present life and the future headed of her daughter.

Two Kinds Literary Analysis
Amy Tan story, "Two Kinds", uses character development, conflict, flashback, and symbolism to
express the love of one's mother. This story starts off with the mother (Suyuan Woo) and daughter
(Jing–Mei) trying to find something that the daughter can get really good at. They find one that there
interested in but after a couple of sessions they found out that it wasn't right for her daughter. So
they try to do others things like the piano, but after several sessions with Mr. Chong her mother saw
that her daughter wasn't improving on playing the piano. Her mom kept urging her to practice more
and get better but Jing–Mei had just about enough of this and started to rebel against her mom. After
several; arguments Jing–Mei and her mother just stopped ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
At first Jing–Mei was getting excited about learning new things. For Example, Tan wrote "In fact, in
the beginning, I was just as excited as my mother, maybe even more so. I pictured this prodigy part
of me as many different images." Jing–Mei is really excited to do many new things. She thinks that
she can actually become a prodigy and that makes her very excited. As time went by Jing–Mei
messes up on a few things and that upsets her mother. To show how Jing–Mei gradually changes
Tans wrote "After seeing my mother's disappointed face once again, something inside of me began
to die. I hated the tests, the raised hopes and failed expectation." (265). At this point she is already
having thoughts that becoming a prodigy is almost impossible because she can perform to her
mother's expectations. Jing–Mei breaking point was after the piano recital because she has had
enough of this disappointment from her mother. Tans wrote "You want me to be someone that I'm
not!" I sobbed. "I'll never be the kind of daughter you want me to be!" (270). This shows that Jing–
Mei has had enough of this and wants to stop but her mother won't let her. Her mother stated that
"Only two kinds of daughters, those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind! Only
one kind of daughter can live in this house. Obedient daughter!" (270). So Jing–Mei responded to
her by saying "Then I wish I'd never been born"... "I wish

The Two Kinds Analysis
In a law firm, each attorney and paralegal, must first have a belief in equal treatment for all people
regardless of their circumstances. In turn, at some point, we began working at this firm because we
had a passion toward assisting in the implementation of the just application of the law. Likewise, we
each became motivated to act toward affecting change in equitable treatment of all people. What I
find important in our business is assisting those who are normally marginalized in our society and
unable to obtain the legal help they need. I value altruism; the self–service or unselfishness that is
within each of us. It combines the three elements briefly mentioned: Belief, passion, and motivation.
A Psychology Today article, The Two Kinds

Jing-Mei In Two Kinds
Jing–Mei is a young Chinese–American girl with a mother who immigrates here after losing her
first husband and two daughters in China. She believes that America is the place of high hopes, that
there is nothing stopping you from being anything that you want to be, as long as you try. However,
when she pushes her daughter so hard to become a pianist, her daughter decides to push back to stop
her mother from making her something she isn't. The character Jing–Mei from Two Kinds by Amy
Tan exemplifies strong will throughout her life but does so in a negative manner, which affects her
relationship with her mother all the way through adulthood.
By the time she was nine years old Jing–Mei was already being told she could be a prodigy. Being
in America ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However, once another Chinese Shirley Temple appears on their TV playing the piano with a Peter
Pan haircut just like Jing Mei's, her mother criticizes the girl on TV and Jing–Mei comes to her
defense by saying she's trying hard. Her mother counters with comparing the girl to her daughter,
"Not the best. Because you not trying" (Tan 474). All her mother wants is for her to try and do her
best, but Jing–Mei just wants her mother to like her the way she is. Three days after seeing the girl
on TV her mother signs her up for piano lessons with Mr. Chong, who happens to be deaf and
unable to notice as Jing–Mei plays nonsense and makes many mistakes. She quickly gathers that she
can be lazy while at these practices and not correct herself if she makes a mistake; she realizes that
she never really gave herself a chance. Her negative determination keeps her from trying, just like
her mother had said. And when her mother brags about her natural talent to her Aunt Lindo, her
determination gets stronger. She continues to cheat at her piano lessons when she is supposed to
memorize her piece for the talent show and she put more effort into practicing her curtsy than the
song. This shows when it's time her to perform the piece "Pleading Child" in front of her family and
Old Chong. Mistake after mistake she continues playing and at the end, she does the curtsy she
worked so hard on. Then when she sees her mother's face she feels the shame of her parents and
when they return home she awaits her mother's wrath. But, when her mother proceeds into the house
without saying a word, Jing–Mei feels disappointed too, for not having a reason to yell, cry, and
blame her

Two Kinds Personal Response
The story "Two Kinds" was about this girl after losing everything but her mother, moved to San
Francisco and there they put dreams that they wanted to go to U.S. So the mother wanted her
daughter to be someone and wanted to be good at it so she put the daughter into piano lessons and
after practice she went to a talent show and she failed but after years she was perfect at it. So
whenever you feel like quiting just keep practicing. In "Two Kinds" the daughter said "I saw only
my face staring back – and understood that it would always be this ordinary face – I began to cry.
Such a sad, ugly girl! I made high – pitched noises like a crazed animal, trying to scratch out the
face in the mirror. And then I saw what seemed to be the prodigy side of me – a face I had never
seen before. I looked at my reflection, blinking so that I could see more clearly. The girl staring back
at me was angry, powerful. She and I were the same. I had new thoughts, willful thoughts – or
rather, thoughts filled with lots of won'ts. I won't let her change me, I promised myself. I won't be
what I'm not." What this is saying that she saw a different side of her aside she never knew existed
she said she won't let her change her meaning that she doesn't want to be the same as ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
"She's pretty good. Maybe she's not the best, but she's trying hard." I knew almost immediately that
I would be sorry I had said that. "Just like you," she said. "Not the best. Because you not trying."
She gave a little huff as she let go of the sound dial and sat down on the sofa. This quote shows that
you can't be the best but you can try everything you got to make it sound good like the daughter she
was not trying the mother said that she didn't put everything she had to play good and saying that
you can be the best if you try and practice hard

Tan Two Kinds
6.6 percent of teens develop their character during high school. Most teens develop their
relationships with their friends as they become more attach to each other. Acceptance by far the
most important thing teens can experience in the society, especially when dealing with school. Teens
change their behaviors, ways of thinking and actions just to be able to be a part of a specific group
of friends.
Teenagers have a tendency to change their behavior and choices just to be a part of a specific group
that they are interested in, that show they are dealing with peer pressure. Peer pressure is often a
negative outcome such as street racing, drinking alcohol and using drug or sexual activities. Those
can lead to terrible consequences, but peer pressure can also be positive influences, teens now can
support and encourage their peers to make smarter decisions. Eight out of ten kids can make their
own decisions at this time of age. Nowadays, it's hard enough for ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The story revolved between a mother and a daughter, the mother wants her daughter to be something
that she don't want." Why don't you like me the way I am." (Tan 8) The daughter can't really express
herself because her mother keeps pushing her, and wanted her to be a prodigy child. Too much
pressure from her mother, the daughter began to changed her behavior by stop obeying her mother.
All parents would want their children to succeed and make them proud but unfortunately they put on
high expectation, and push their children to achieve certain goals. This make their children feel like
they don't have time for their own activities. Same thing happened in the story, the mother keeps
pushing her to play piano. As the result, she learned nothing plus she embarrassed herself on stage
during the performance. The daughter have her own goals but she can't achieve it because her
mother want her to be succeed in something else that she not comfortable

Minnie's Desolation in Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers"
Susan Glaspell, writer of the short story "A Jury of Her Peers" details the isolated rural farm house
of Minnie Wright and Mr.Wright. Glaspell advocates for the equality of woman and hopes to warn
the readers of the difference between the law and what is actually right. She conveys the meaning of
her theme by describing a case of a deprived woman, Minnie, who is absolutely isolated from any
other kind of companionship except for her husband's, which is "like a raw hard wind that gets to the
bone." (Glaspell 198) Although Minnie isn't present at the time of the investigation, the setting of
her house lets the readers know some of the various kinds of isolation she deals with for twenty
years before being sent to jail.The different kinds of isolation that Minnie experiences are
symbolized in the objects and information Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters share and discover while being
at the scene of the incident.
Minnie's youthful life was the complete opposite to her current life. Mrs. Hale spoke of her youth
and said "she used to wear pretty clothes and be lively–when she was Minnie Foster." (Glaspell 195)
But now all Minnie wears is "a shabby black shirt that bore the marks of much making over" along
with the same "gray shawl". (Glaspell 195) Minnie's lively spirit and style of clothing evoke a stage
in her life where she was joyful and free from a man who didn't represent her. However, now that
she bears her husbands last name, Minnie Wright wears shabby dull clothes that

Two Kinds
Two Kinds is a wonderful little short story about a immigrant Chinese woman in the mid 1950's to
early 1960's that moved to Chinatown in California to give herself a better opportunity to make it in
America. In the story we see the Amy's mother as a woman who already has dealt with her fair share
of pain and disappointment. Jeng–mei mothers entire family seemed to have been wiped out before
she came to America from China Jeng–mei explains " she had come to San Francisco in 1949 after
losing everything in China: her mother and father, her home, her first husband, and two daughter,
twin baby girls. But she never looked back with regret."
This was the type of woman Amy's mother was diligent, unwavering, focus that there could be a ...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
I won't let her change me". This is where struggle rears its ugly head in her and her mother's
relationship Jeng–mei not being from China lacked an obedience that her counterpart may have had
because she was an American child. You see Jeng–mei's mother did not take into consideration her
child being an American was probably not going to be as obedient as other Chinese girls were.
Jeng–mei's mother reason for coming to America was to take advantage of all America had to offer
but I don't think Amy's mother realized that America gave her daughter her own mind. In conclusion
we see through the rest of the story that there was more conflict with the two. Jeng–mei's mother
buys a piano for her daughter to learn how to play and become a prodigy at the piano. Mrs. Tan
traded cleaning house with Mr. Chong their deaf neighbor who used to teach music. Amy starts to
slack because her music teacher was deaf and not able to truly hear what Amy was playing. This was
reflected in the recital and utterly bombed in front her parent, family, and friends. Amy's mother was
disappointed but when Jeng–mei felt that this would be her escape and her mother would not bother
her about this prodigy thing she was sadly mistaken Jeng–mei's mother did not waver from this way
of thinking. Jeng–mei then has a fit and becomes like a typical American child and becomes very
disrespectful toward her mother and Amy's mother and her

"Two Kinds" Point of View
The short story, "Two Kinds", written by Amy Tan, is written from the point of view of the character
named Jing–Mei. There are three experiences which demonstrate her viewpoint. In the first
experience, Jing–Mei is being told by her mom about the "American dream". At first, she strives to
pursue this prodigy. Her mom would test her every night after dinner. Through Jing–Mei's eyes, she
starts to realize that it was not the life she wanted to live. Lines in the story illustrate this when he
says "I won't let her change me, I promised myself. I won't be what I'm not." (p.406). In the second
experience, Jing–Mei performs in a talent show. Her mother forced her to learn how to play the
piano. After seeing a little girl playing the piano ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
ier said than

Two Kinds
The story starts off with the daughter narrating the story talking of her mothers tragedy in China;
The mother who lost her mother, father, husband , and her two twin babies was trying to start over
and give her child the American dream. The daughter the one telling the story was very as the story
began about becoming famous. The mother on the other hand goes to all lengths to try to find her
daughters talents.
The characters in the story are the mother who played a huge role, although her name was never
mentioned. She is a mother who got a second chance at having a family and is very controlling
thinking she is doing what is best or her child. The narrator which is the daughter; she starts off as a
normal child in the story, but ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The mother was so determined even know they could not afford lessons the mother made
arrangements to trade work for piano lessons. I think the mother felt that at this point the daughter
would see how hard she was willing to work for her and maybe appreciate it and work harder. The
little girl felt differently she was angry towards her mother and felt as if her mother did not except
her for who she was and she wanted to get back at her.
The daughter practiced every day with Mr. Chong not even trying her mind wondering in other
places. Mr. Chong was a deaf man who could only see her hand movements, so that is how he taught
her. The girl caught on fast that Mr. Chong eyes could not keep up with her hands so she used it to
her advantage not to learn. Mr. Chong so proud thinking she was listening to him he was very
excited because she learned how to fake him out.
The mother bragged about her daughter playing the piano everyday to her friend, although the
mother never herd her play until the recital. The mother wanted so bad to see her child in front of the
room making her proud like all of the other mothers before her, but when the little girl went up on
stage the mother didn 't know that she had been just wasting her time. The little girl even had her
self fooled she for a second thought maybe she could play, well maybe if Mr. Chong thought she
could play maybe it was true.
As she played she seen the embarrassment on her parents face; the only

Tan Two Kinds
The American dream is what every immigrant strives to do as soon as they step foot in the land of
opportunities. This was the case for the mother in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan. The mother had an
American dream expectation for her daughter to be prodigy girl who endowed at a young age
exceptional qualities and abilities but her daughter did not share the same American dream as her
mother. The post modern pice of literature is set after WWII . During this time it was all about
individualism. The short story is a representation of many immigrant parents ans their children.
Throughout the story Amy uses the characters, setting, point of view, plot and symbolism to
showcase this scenario.
The setting of the story is in Sacramento, California in ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As a first generation American from Chinese immigrants they share a different idea of the American
dream. The mother thinks being a prodigy person with hard work will lead her to a better life
because she had a rough childhood and life in china. On the other hand, the daughter believes she
has the freedom to do whatever she wants and that her parents should accept her with the qualities
she has already.
Throughout the plot there are symbolism which show a representation of the mothers wants and not
the daughters. The mother buying the piano is a symbolism of the mothers aspires and not her
daughters because she trades her cleaning services with Mr.Chong in exchange for piano lessons. If
this was her daughters aspires she would be the one working towards having piano lessons. Another
symbolism is the title itself, according to the mother there are two kinds of daughters ; there is a
daughter who is obedient and one who follows there own mind, but to her mother she will only
accept an obedient daughter. Therefore, she wants her daughter to obey her which results in her
doing activities she doesn't desire to do. Like for example playing the piano is not an activity she
likes doing but she does it only because her mother wants her to be a prodigy person. As well, the
two pieces of music revealed at the end of the

Dirtbiking Essay
Dirtbiking
Imagine speeding through a construction site at 80 miles per hour. Not knowing what terrain is
coming up next. You could speed away and be OK or you could crash and burn. That's the
adrenaline rush you get when you ride a dirtbike. Dirtbiking is an exciting, adrenaline pumping
sport. Dirtbiking is also a sport enjoyed by many people all over the world. To get involved in
dirtbiking you have to race in the right age group. You also have to know what size dirtbike is right
for you. Next, you need to know what kind of race you want to participate in, depending on your
interests. Last, some of the modifications that have taken place over the years are also interesting.
First of all, if you plan on racing a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Dirtbike sizes vary from a weak 50cc engine, to the mighty, powerful 600cc engine. There are also
many different brands of dirtbikes. Some of the main brands are Honda, Yamaha,
Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM, so you might want to do a little research on them before you buy one.
Of course, if you are not into going fast and jumping in the motocross races there are different kinds
of races. The first actual motocross race was held in the late 60s. One other kind of race is an enduro
race. In these races you have to go long distances and usually travel at night. Another race is a
blackwater race. In these races you need a big bike, at least 250cc. You go through rivers, thick
forests, and small obstacles like fallen logs. The last race is called trials. In these races you must
have balance. You go over many difficult obstacles like boulders and enormous logs. You cant put
your feet on the ground, also the bikes have no seat!
Lastly, dirtbiking is always changing. Imagine an old clunky looking dirtbike and compare it to a
new, fast dirtbike. Dirtbikes today are safer too.
For example, bikes now a days have rev–limiters so the dirtbike doesn't blow up.
The older dirtbikes had small dual shocks in the back, steel frames, and were very heavy. Now a
days we have one big mono shock in the back, computer designed exhaust pipes, which give it more
power, now there are even aluminum frames.
Dirtbikes have sure come a long way over the

Mericans And Two Kinds Analysis
In the story "Mericans" and "Two Kinds" depicts characters who lived between two worlds: their
family's world and "The American Dream". Both characters wanted to enjoy the new things, which
is the American world, yet are pulled back by their heritage. Both stories narrated the term "The
American Dream" by giving us insight of young characters being caught in their own world and
acquiring taste what being a true American is like. According to Tan's mother, America is the "Land
of Opportunity". With high hopes of her daughter possessing the ability of being a prodigy, she
molds her daughter into people she is not, such as comparing her to Shirley Temple, expecting her
daughter to recite the Bible in one night, and taking her to a beauty training

Tan Two Kinds
In the short story "Two Kinds", by the author, Amy Tan intends to make the readers understand the
real purpose behind the story by illustrating what is the real problem between her and her mother,
she doesn't speak out as an authority she is using her own point of view as a narrator to explained
what she has experienced by living in The United States when her mother culture is from a different
country. The daughter tried to explain her feelings and events of her childhood and how frustrated
she is feeling for failing her mother expectations giving the story a bittersweet relationship between
mother and daughter but a good sign of forgiveness end.
The young Chinese American "June" in the story is going through a lot of pressure by living under
her mom different lifestyle, Suyuan is the name of the mother she was born and raised in Asia but
then she moved to the united states wanting the best for her family because she always said The
United States was the country of opportunities but deep inside she was living with sadness and
depression after having to left her twin baby girls in China in 1949. Suyuan the mother wanted her
daughter June to be an American prodigy she was still applying the Asian culture on her and wanted
June to just obey her orders by doing what she wanted not what she was really good at. After ...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
After June explained to the readers all of her countless attempts to make her mother happy she
completely quits taking orders from her, she assumed that her talent show was a fiasco, that
probably meant never had to play the piano again but two days after school while June was
watching TV her mother came out of the kitchen in an angry way wanted to make June go to the
piano lesson but June refuses to live under her rules and wanted to stop being her " slave" they got
into a really bad situation and argument. " You wanted me to be someone that I'm not" (Tan 478) her
mother replied to

Two Kinds Theme Essay
The theme in "Two Kinds" is acceptance which is advanced through the text by Jing–mei's mother
not accepting her. "Two Kinds" theme is acceptance and it is demonstrated many times throughout
the text by the mother. Jing–mei and her mother moved to America and her mother wanted her to be
a prodigy. At first Jing–mei was excited, then the tasks got difficult and she was not happy. All Jing–
mei wanted was for her mother to not reproach every action and encourage her to want to do
something she enjoys. Jing–mei's mother tried to make her into something she is not, something she
does not want to be, she did not accept her. "'Why don't you like me the way I am,'...My mother
slapped me. 'Who ask you to be genius?' she shouted. 'Only asked you to be your best. For you sake.
You think I want you to be genius? Hnnh! What for! Who ask you?" (Tan 20). That quote from the
story "Two Kinds" is an example of Jing–mei's mother pushing her and making her something she is
not. Jing–mei was not happy and she did not want to play piano and did ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
"...I'm not going to play anymore." I said nonchalantly. "Why should I? I'm not a genius." She stood
in front of the TV. I saw her chest heaving up and down in an angry way. "No!" I said, and now I felt
stronger, as if my true self had emerged. So this was what had been inside me all along. "No! I
won't!" I screamed. She snapped off the TV, yanked me by the arm and pulled me off the floor...
"You want me to be something I'm not!" I sobbed. "I'll never be the kind of Daughter you want me
to be!..." The quote is textual evidence that the mother makes Jing–mei do something she does not
want to do. Jing–mei does not want to play the piano because she feels her mother should accept her
for who she is and what she wants to do. The main theme is acceptance and many conflicts support
that theme just like the ones

Amy Tan's Two Kind
The title of this short story is called "Two Kind". The title is referring to the two types of daughter
Jing–mei's mother talked about after Jing–mei refused to take piano lessons after she had failed at
the performance show, "'Only two kinds of daughters," she shouted in Chinese. "Those who are
obedient and those who follow their own mind! Only one kind of daughter can live in this house.
Obedient daughter!'(1128)". I think this title is appropriate because it is what the conflict is revolved
around. Jing–mei is the daughter who follow their own mind which her mother doesn't approve.
However, her mother wants Jing–mei to be the obedient type of daughter who follows her order;
which ironically stated that Jing–mei is not this type of daughter by any sense.
Jing–mei's rebellion against her mother is about how her mother wants her to be famous and
successful. She is forcing her thoughts on Jing–mei, which Jing–mei doesn't like nor she wants to
follow her mother's order. She believes her mother is wanting her to be what she is not, a genius,
and she feels like she cannot live up to her mother's orders, "You want me to be someone that I'm
not! I sobbed. I'll never be the kind of daughter you want me to be!'(1128)". ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
At first, Jing–mei's mother wants Jing–mei to take examinations that test her knowledges, "The tests
got harder – multiplying numbers in my head, finding the queen of hearts in a deck of cards, trying
to stand on my head without using my hands, predicting the daily temperatures in Los Angeles, New
York, and London"(1123). Jing–mei collapsed at these endless tests that her mother is slapping onto
her face. Jing–mei immaturely responded to her mother's test by acting boring and off task when her
mother is testing her. Her lack of interest and activeness in this activity made Jing–mei's mother
eventually gave up on

Two Kinds Immigrants
In Two Kinds by Any Tan, the young girl was a first generation child of an immigrants. With this
title comes a lot of pressure and burdening from the parents to do above and beyond in life. But
most impotently as an immigrant's child there are expectation of having a good job that pays very
well. For first generation children of immigrants there is a lot of responsibility on their shoulders as
well. This is proving through Two Kinds and my two sources that explain and shows examples of
what actual people deal with, the struggle of how hard it is to live up to their immigrant parent's
standards. There are standards, burdening and pressure on these children shoulders daily which can
have a bad effect on them. In Two Kinds the mother in the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
The article show "but because she of course views a degree as a great thing to have behind me".
Which is a good thing but her mom sees her getting higher education as a back burner. Which mean
her degree would be something she can do if she does not start a family like her mom did. With her
father she is not get much support. The article shows this by "Well. His actions when translated feel
like he'd rather not be behind my push for a degree. At times it feels like he's defeating any long
term personal goals I'd like to set". Not having the support from both parents is making her lose
confidence in getting her education. This can prove that the standers her parents have for her are not
the same as her goals.
My three supports did prove my point that first generation children of immigrants there is a lot of
responsibility on their shoulder. This is proving through Two Kinds and my two sources that shows
examples of what actual people deal with the struggle of living up to their immigrant parent's
standards. It hard for a lot of them and they deal with the struggles. My thesis also proved that
standards, burdening and pressure does have a bad effect on the children in the long

Two Kinds
Immigrants often come to America as a refuge, for a fresh start and a better life. Many come with
expectations of freedom, opportunity, and advantages. Success drives immigrants to leave
everything behind, much like Suyuan Woo in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds". Suyuan Woo immigrated in
1949 with the idea that you could do anything in America. In "Two Kinds", Mrs. Woo pushes her
daughter, Jing–Mei to be a child prodigy so that she can benefit from the American dream. A clash
of generational differences causes turbulence in their relationship. This is common in bicultural
families when the immigrant parent retains their cultural roots, whereas the child is conflicted about
which cultural principles they should follow. These families differ in ideas ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
In Chinese culture, children are expected to obey every command from their parents. Chinese
parents take an authoritarian approach to parenting, using strict rules and high expectations.
American parents take the authoritative approach, laying out rules while allowing choices and
freedoms (Donk, 15). One method evokes order and obedience, while the other encourages
regulated individuality. Throughout the story, Jing–Mei's mother pushes her to take american
shortcuts to success, while expecting her to maintain Chinese customs of obedience. Jing–Mei's
mom is outraged when Jing– Mei refuses to continue with piano. During their fight she yells that
"Only two kinds of daughters. Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind! Only
one kind of daughter can live in this house. Obedient daughter!" (Tan, 550). Even though the mother
wants Jing Mei to succeed and live the American dream, she gets upset when Jing mei adopts
american individualism and stands up for herself. By rebelling from her mother's expectations, Jing
Mei is rejecting Chinese customs and becoming more "American". Critic, Amy Ling, attributes this
behavior to "possessiveness of chinese mothers who fight the American style liberation and
autonomy their daughters cultivate" (Snodgrass, 115) Amy Tan had similar problems with her
mother. Because her mother was so hard on her, she blamed it on her culture and rejected the Asian
side of her own heritage. When asked about cultural differences within her home, Tan replied,"I
chalked up her fears to Chinese fears, not generational ones. Anything that was unreasonable, I said
was Chinese so I made the culture the scapegoat. That's unfortunate because it made me grow up
wanting to deny that part of my family, of myself. Anything that was Chinese about me made me
feel ashamed" (Uniquely Personal Story, 2008). By relating Jing Mei's life to her own, Amy

Two Kinds Essay
In this quote there is an underlying experience from it's author, Pearl S. Buck, that contributes an
explanation while solidifying the information. Buck spent most her childhood in China, living at
home with an American family and outside in a Chinese society, and all the while observing and
experiencing two lives. In correlation to the quote, Buck has seen the divide of the societies, even in
its maternal ways, and vocalizes how no matter how a mother chooses to show care and affection for
their child, love is deeply rooted into their practices. To set a particular example, take a mother
receiving news her child is at the top of their class. Now the mother could be ecstatic for her child's
achievement, expressing her love and happiness for them, or this mother ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Regardless of any way the mother chooses to interpret and react to this grandeur of sorts, this
relationship and others alike have expectations that are set, failed, met, or passed; everything made
on the principle of love for the child, with the hope that they will grow up in their vision or the way
they see fit. Similarly to the quote, "it is love all the same," and in what seems like an adaptation of
this quote, is the short story "Two Kinds," which perfectly embodies a clash and struggle between
mother and daughter. In the short story,"Two Kinds," a mother once raised in China, flees to
America to start a new life. The nation America, to the mother, is a place of opportunity in which
one can be and do anything. Continually, the mother with a new life, had a daughter, which happens
to be the narrator of this story. The mother soon channels her aspirations and knowledge of
America's opportunity into the narrator, with constant tests for signs of a special attribute.
Eventually, the narrator has enough and rebels

Two Kinds Culture
As I grew it up, I trusted my parents to tell me what was right. I tried to live up to their expectations,
so I can be the good daughter. I was raised playing soccer, a sport I did not even like; I followed
through and tried to get better so I could earn the scholarship. Although culture does affect the way
people view at the world, there's a limit. At the end of the day, you just have yourself. It's your
choice to choose– to listen, or to find your own way. To begin, in Two Kinds by Amy Tan, her
mother expects her to be a prodigy. So, throughout the story, she is forced to do many things.
Starring in a play, being tested on states and capitals, and being forced to play the piano. Amy
submits to what her mother wants; but as she started to grow up. She began to rebel, "'why don't you
like me the way I am?' I cried. 'I'm not a genius! I can't play the piano. And even if I could, I
wouldn't go on TV if you paid me a million ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They went with it since, their given names were "too difficult" to say. Her sister had always let her
win at games, because her mother had told Premila that since Santha is the youngest, it is to be
allowed. When Santha and her classmates played a game similar to tag, Santha let the kids catch her
since, "I had no clear idea of what 'winning' meant." But when the other kids didn't let her catch
them– she got the name of being "not a good sport." They continued to go along with what the other
kids thought of them, Premila angrily stormed into Santha's class and told her that they were going
home. We soon find out, because of the stereotype that Indians cheat, Premila and the rest of the
Indians were placed in the back of the classroom. Here, Premila made a choice. She wasn't going to
follow what others thought of as her culture. She too was going to make her own way. Just like Amy
and

Amy Tan's Two Kinds
For many of us growing up, it has been our mothers that played a crucial part in our lives in terms of
what made us into who we are today. Our mothers forgave us when it seemed like no one else could.
They comforted us when it felt like everything was going down hill. And they have loved us
unconditionally, especially during the times we needed it the most. However, there are times when
our mother's do things even if we don't agree with it. Take Jing–Mei and her mother from the story
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, for example. Jing–Mei is a girl raised by her overbearing mother, a
Chinese immigrant while struggling "to forge her own sense of identity in the face of her strong–
willed mother's dream that she become a prodigy" (Brent). Throughout the story, Amy Tan describes
the struggles that Jing–Mei faces between her ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Every idea about the essence of Jing–Mei's future to become this "prodigy" is caused by what her
mother watches on television and what she reads about in women's magazines and other
publications such as Ripley's Believe–it–or–not and Good Housekeeping. Her mother's first attempt
to transform Jing–Mei into this "prodigy" comes from television movies. She explains, "My mother
thought I could be a Chinese Shirley Temple. We'd watch Shirley's old movies on TV as though they
were training films" (Roberts). While Jim–Mei continues to struggle to find who she really is, her
mother on the other hand becomes determined to turn her into this prodigy. We begin to see that
Jing–Mei mother demands her to try on multiple identities, such as being this Shirley Temple, but
the Chinese version of course, a genius child, or even an expert at playing the piano. However, this
determination that Jing–Mei becomes a prodigy threatens to suffocate the whole meaning of her
being who she wants to

Amy Tan Two Kinds
In Amy Tan's short story "Two Kinds," the events surrounding Jing–Mei can be closely related to
my own personal experiences. Parents will often see other children and compare them to their own
child. This puts a lot of pressure on their child, expecting them to mirror the other children, whilst
becoming furious when you disobey them. This was evident throughout the short story and
throughout my life. The night Jing–Mei's mother watched The Ed Sullivan Show, her mother saw a
child play the piano. When Jing–Mei tells her mother "... Maybe she's not the best, but she's trying
hard." (Tan, 718) the mother replies with "Just like you ... Not the best, because you not trying."
(Tan, 718). These words resonate with the sayings of my parents after ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Another relatable experience from the story is the argument between Jing–Mei and her mother,
during which her mother tells her "Only two kinds of daughters ... Those who are obedient and those
who follow their own mind. Only one type of daughter can live in this house. Obedient daughter."
(Tan, 724). Jing–Mei's mother may have been too harsh when saying this, however, she desperately
wanted to get her point through. Although I personally never had an argument about this with my
parents, they have expressed similar demands during my childhood. They would regularly compare
me to other children who were obedient, hoping that I would follow in their prodigious image. I
believe these were extremely harsh ways to treat a child, and bestowed too much stress upon a
younger one. Children are better off with a free will, being able to do what they wish, with some
restriction. This allows the adolescent to be obedient to a certain extent, while still being able to
express themselves, instead of having a parent decide all the actions of their life. The final
occurrence in the story that I can emphasize with is where Jing–Mei's mother believed "You

Amy Tan's Two Kinds
"Why don't you like me the way I am? I'm not a genius!"
It's safe to say that every child at some point has had an argument with a parent similar to this one.
While what started it in the first place ay be different, the outcome is generally the same: hurt
feelings and resentment. In the case of Jing–mei from Amy Tan's Two Kinds, what started it was her
mother's constant pressure to be something she obviously didn't wish to be. In retaliation, Jing–mei
did what practically any girl her age does. She threw her arms up and quit, refusing to conform to
her mother's standards. Her and her mother's problem stems from differing views of success,
obedience, and upbringing.
Her mother views success as rising above others as a prodigy. She tried to

Two Kinds
Sonam Shankar
ID# 1723801
English 103–276
January 17, 2011–01–17
Two Kinds
Amy Tan
In the short story "Two Kinds", Amy Tan uses the narrator's point of view to share a mother's
attempt to control her daughter's dreams and ambitions. Tan`s short story is an example of how
differing personalities cause struggles between a parent and child. Children often fall victim to a
parent trying too hard or expectations being too high, and in the case of "Two Kinds," we see Jing
Mei's mother trying to live her life through that of Jing Mei. The outcome of her mother's actions
soon leads the narrator into feeling tension within herself, and between herself and her mother.
In the beginning, we find Jing–Mei's mother convincing her that she ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Jing–Mei characterizes her mother as an ideal parental figure by showing how much hope she has in
her daughter. Her mother's only wishes are to give her daughter more opportunities than she had
growing up in China. And by doing this she shows that no matter how many conflicts there is
between a mother and daughter, a mother will never give up hope on her daughter. She will cherish
her for who she is in the end.
Work Citation:
Tan, Amy. "Two Kinds." The Harbrace Anthology of Short Fiction 4th Ed. Jon C Scott, Raymond E.
Jones, and Rick Bowers. 2006. 346–354.

Two Kinds of Interpretations in Amy Tan’s Short Story Two...
Often times mothers can be pushy, annoying, and a bit overbearing but in the long run they always
just want what is best for their child. Everyone wants their child to be the best, most popular and
overall number one. In Amy Tan's short story "Two Kinds" we see this type of fame hungry mother.
The short story is about a Chinese family who lost everything. The mother had lost her entire family
full of children except for the one in the story. With the belief "you could be anything you want in
America" (Tan 305) in mind the mother set off to find what her child can do. This ultimately will
resort in disappointment for both the mother and child, as they do not share the same goals
throughout the short story. My initial personal interpretation of this piece is that the mother wants to
live vicariously through her daughter. This was proven throughout the story time and time again.
Through further thought, different literary techniques, and class discussion I became aware of an
alternate interpretation of the story. This is that their are two kinds of daughters and the way the
mother daughter relationship could be. Both interpretations have many examples to support them
and the story can truly be analyzed in more then one way. The mother in the story is sensibly upset
about what has happened in the past in China. After losing everything she wanted the best for her
daughter, but could this possibly mean she wanted it for herself as well. It seems the mother might
have

Tan Two Kinds
In Amy Tan's "Two Kinds" Jin–Mei mother had dreams as she was coming to America. "My mother
believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America. You could open restaurant. You could
work for the government and get good retirement. You could buy a house with almost no money
down. You could become rich. You could become instantly famous" (Tan 377). She is not alone.
There are many people who come to America to make all these dreams come true. They all come
with their children with the hope of finding a better life, to get away from the insecurities in their
countries. However, parents who immigrate to America can put too much pressure on their children
to fulfil the parents 'dream, and by putting too much pressure on their children it leads the children
to live a limited life with less choices.
This story is about a mother and daughter who came to America to find a better life. They moved
from china. In the story the mother wants to turn her daughter into a "prodigy" so she can be
famous. The mother works as a housekeeper, and she "Believes you could be anything you wanted
to be in America" (Tan 377). In this quote one can see that the mother believed, but just not for her;
instead, she believed that her daughter will have the American life. After work she would collect old
magazines from her job and look through them to find new talents for Jin–Mei. The mother was so
eager to find at least one thing was good at but she came up short. By doing that Jin–Mei became
very

`` Two Kinds By Amy Tan
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan is a story that shows a battle that starts with the narrator and her mother,
for control over the narrator's life. Her mother wanted her to become a prodigy, but she wanted to be
anything other than that. So, throughout the short story "Two Kinds" she's determined to not quit the
fight. "Two Kinds" is filled with different forms of conflict which allows for the narrator to realize
that her mother's crazy antics were to help her find what she was good at. Which leads to the
narrator facing twoness until her mother is no longer Twoness is "the fact or condition of being two,
duality, doubleness" (Oxford Dictionary). Also known as duality which is "the condition or fact of
being dual or consisting of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Yet she didn't see the idea of being able to become anything, and that's because she was raised in
America. From her being raised in America the perception of being anything you wanted to be
wasn't huge in her mind due her not experiencing a form of tragedy or struggle to allow her to see
that with time and effort anything is possible.
A second indication was her battle with herself and the idea of being anything. To achieve success at
the highest level for which she is capable gave her the feeling of striving for perfection. "Sometimes
the prodigy in me became impatient." "If you don't hurry up and get me out of here, I'm
disappearing for good," it warned. "And then you'll always be nothing" (130). The narrator's thought
of being nothing based on how her mother was raising her projected the idea of being a
disappointment, due to her mother pushing for a prodigy to emerge from within her and becoming a
person worth wanting to be. The idea of no achievement made it harder for her as she grew up, due
to the extensive test her mother would give her during dinner. "One night I had to look at the Bible
for three minutes and then report everything I could remember. "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and
honor in abundance and...that's all I remember, Ma." I said. "And after seeing, once again, my
mother's disappointed face, something inside me began to die" (130). Having the thought of failing
in the eyes of her mother made it harder for her to look at herself.

Tan Two Kinds
Many parents tend to have big culturally influenced goals for their children and most of the time the
child has different goal or dream. Just like how culture had a big influence in Amy Tan's short story
"Two Kinds". Tans write on the experience of a young Chinese girl and her mother's expectations
for her. In this this paper I will explain how this story was heavily influenced by Tan's cultural
background, by using textual evidence and making connections with Tan's cultural background to
grasp a better understanding of the story. "The American Dream" is what many people desire and
even travel from across the globe for. All seeking an equal opportunity to achieve success and
wealth through hard work. Just like in "Two Kinds" the mother came all the way from china to
achieve the American dream. In the story she even states in the ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
In my understanding Tan wrote this story from her cultural experiences and for the many other
people who experience this with their parents. Most people have had an argument with their parents
but what makes their argument significant is the fact that her mother had plans for her, but she had
different plans. Tan points out how many people might even go along with it to keep their parents
proud as she states "In fact, in the beginning I was just as excited as my mother, maybe even more
so. I pictured this prodigy part of me as many different images, and I tried each one on for size."
(641). This all shows how she grew older and matured and realized this isn't what she wants. This
very tough moment for the young girl because she knows her mother won't be happy about it. For
instance, during an argument the mother even states "Only two kinds of daughters, she shouted in
Chinese. Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind!" (645). This is a very
important part of the story because it shows how much respect the mother

Two Kinds Mother

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