An Mei And Rose Analysis

Through An-mei and Rose’s complementary passive natures in the first two chapters and the exposure of their development in the last two. Amy Tan uses the structure of the Hsu family storyline to demonstrate the correlation between An-mei and Rose, proving that their mutual weaknesses assist in the personal growth of the mother- daughter duo.

Topic Sentence #1:

As a child, An-mei was passive in her opinions about her mother, which seems to have translated over to Rose and how she deals with her brother’s accident.

Context/Integration/Quote #1/Citation: An-mei’s mother is seen as a disgrace to the family, due to her remarrying after her first husband’s death. When An-mei’s mother came to the house begging for forgiveness, conflict breaks out and a boiling pot of soup spills on An-mei’s neck. This creates a scar which An-mei describes “My

Although this was when she was passive and unaware of the intent of the second wife. This gift was one of manipulation from the second wife, just as the second wife manipulated An-mei’s mother into the marriage. The crushing of the fake pearl necklace represents not only An-mei’s newfound clarity but also her independence. This was given to her by her mom’s death. The use of the word “crushing” means to violently subdue, which can be assumed to represent her rebellion against being apathetic in her life. Zoom Out: An-mei’s mother is treated as though she has no value at all, for example, she has no identity, not even being given a name. An-mei’s mother is powerless, she is forced into a marriage as a result of manipulation. To inspire a change in An-mei she kills herself. Which in turn gives An-mei the strength to stand up to the second woman, and evokes a lasting stand of independence in her. The death of An-mei’s mother serves as a wake-up call for An-mei to develop and become