Dual Identity In The Woman Warrior By Maxine Hong Kingston

In order for an immigrant to survive in a new country they have to be able to adapt to a new community and expand their self concept. There is great plasticity in the self perception and identity of immigrant offspring. The memoir, The Woman Warrior, by Maxine Hong Kingston, does a good job in highlighting this statement. Her memoir shows the struggle of the older generation to adapt to American culture after migrating, it shows how the second generation contends with their dual identity, and how their unique perceptions emphasize the gap between the two generations.
Identifying as an immigrant means that you left your old home to start elsewhere. The circumstances vary for everyone. However, for many immigrants part of the person that they

They do not want to forget who they are. They hold on to their superstitions, stories, customs and native tongue. Kingston demonstrates how the Chinese hold on to their culture and sustain it. When her aunt, Moon Orchid, first arrived in the United States, they took her to Chinatown and she said “ It certainly looks different from China. I’m glad to see Americans talk like us” (Pg. 136). Chinese immigrants feel more comfortable with the Chinese community because they can communicate with them. This is one of the reasons that some immigrants never assimilate. They go through life working and living with others who speak their native tongue, so they never have the need to learn English. They perceive themselves as outsiders from the American culture and thus some do not identify as Americans but only as Chinese immigrants. Even so, China town is not the same as China and they still have to greatly modify to a new life. Unfortunately, Moon Orchid was incapable of living life differently and was not able to expand her self concept. This lead to her mental breakdown and hospitalization. Kingston’s mother, Brave

is not just to seek better opportunities for themselves but also for their current and future children. They want their offspring to do well and do what they consider successful. Seeing this makes their struggle worthwhile. Perhaps this is why first generation immigrants can be so tough on their children. Things that a typical American parent might be proud of might be disregarded by immigrant parents. When Kingston tells her mom that she has straight A’s, her mom replies by saying “Let me tell you a true story about a girl who saved her village” ( Pg.45). This makes Kingston feel disappointed and like she has to do something grand in order for her parents to want her. Her mom most likely does not want to discourage her daughter, but she feels that she has seen more praise worthy things in her life. In a way she might be trying to motivate her to be even greater. The lives of immigrant parents have been so vastly different and they probably feel as though their children’s lives are remarkably easier than theirs. Therefore, their children’s struggle is not valid enough and their accomplishments are expected. There is also a different relationship dynamic between immigrant parents and the second generation in contrast to your average American. A lot of immigrant parents can not speak English that well. Therefore, the parents are more dependant on their kids and that gives the kids particular responsibilities. The