Conflicting Personalities in Two Kinds by Amy Tan

The story two kinds by Amy Tan is a motivational story and somewhat heartbreaking. It’s a powerful example of conflicting personalities and needs that cause a struggle between the parent and child. This story relates to most family’s today such as parents trying to push their kids to become something they were not meant to be. The title of this short story “Two Kinds” is describes the theme of this story itself. The mother had previously stated that there are only two types of daughters. “Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind”. Jing Mei did not understand or realize the truth or meaning behind that saying until after her mother’s death. Jing Mei realized that her mother only meant that she could be an obedient child by listening to her mother while at the same time follow her own heart and want her own prodigy in life. This story has a lot of meaning behind it when it comes to looking at the characters from their stand point. Throughout this story I focused on both Jing Mei and Suyuan Woo because they have many similarities and differences and it kind of shocks me. They both have different backgrounds and have been influenced by two different cultures. Because they were born into two different cultures they both have different opinions about America and China.
Jing Mei who is the main character of the story often tells us what her mother does but not why she does. We can tell from Jing Mei character that she is young and also stubborn. Because she was born in America she wanted the American lifestyle. She did not notice that her mother only wanted the best for her. She thought her mother wanted her to be perfect but in reality she only wanted her to try her best at what she did. She was also ungrateful beca...

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...similarities between the struggle of the mother and daughter to connect on a culture level. It also shows how the characters how control over their own destinies. Because these two characters was both to stubborn to even sit down and listen or agree on the same thing, it created unhappiness and controversy between the two. There are many different symbols throughout the story like such as the pendent that Jing mother gave her before her death. The pendent symbolized her mother’s love and concern for her but sadly she did not realize until after the death. This story grows on us because like I said before it is heartbreaking. It compares to women and daughters all around the world who are going through the same thing. It only takes time realize that you should follow your heart but at the same time be open to others suggestions because sometimes it for the best.
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