Two Kinds by Amy Tan-Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

Amy Tan’s short story “Two Kinds” is a powerful tale about the relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her American-born daughter. The story explores themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and the pursuit of the American Dream. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the story’s plot, characters, themes, and literary elements, providing you with a thorough understanding of this important piece of literature.

Background: Amy Tan and Her Works

Before we delve into “Two Kinds,” let’s take a moment to learn about its author, Amy Tan.

Who is Amy Tan?

Amy Tan is a Chinese-American author born in 1952 in Oakland, California. She’s best known for her novels and short stories that explore the relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Tan’s works often draw from her personal experiences growing up in a Chinese-American household.

Notable Works by Amy Tan

Some of Amy Tan’s most famous works include:

1. “The Joy Luck Club” (1989)
2. “The Kitchen God’s Wife” (1991)
3. “The Hundred Secret Senses” (1995)
4. “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” (2001)

“Two Kinds” is actually a chapter from “The Joy Luck Club,” Tan’s debut novel that became an international bestseller and was later adapted into a successful film.

Plot Summary of “Two Kinds”

Now, let’s break down the plot of “Two Kinds” into key sections:

The Mother’s American Dream

The story begins with Jing-mei’s mother, a Chinese immigrant, expressing her belief in the American Dream. She’s convinced that in America, you can be anything you want to be. This belief leads her to push her daughter, Jing-mei, to become a prodigy.

The Search for Jing-mei’s Talent

Jing-mei’s mother starts by having her daughter take tests from magazines, hoping to discover her hidden talent. They try various activities, including:

1. Memorizing world capitals
2. Predicting the weather
3. Doing complicated math problems in her head
4. Reciting Shakespearean sonnets

Despite Jing-mei’s lack of interest or success, her mother remains determined to find her daughter’s special talent.

The Piano Lessons

Eventually, Jing-mei’s mother decides that her daughter should become a piano prodigy. She arranges for Jing-mei to take piano lessons from Mr. Chong, an elderly piano teacher in their neighborhood. Mr. Chong, who is deaf and can’t hear Jing-mei’s mistakes, praises her progress.

The Talent Show Disaster

Jing-mei’s mother enters her in a talent show, expecting her to wow the audience with her piano skills. However, Jing-mei, who hasn’t been practicing properly, performs terribly. The audience is shocked, and Jing-mei feels deeply embarrassed.

The Confrontation

After the talent show disaster, Jing-mei and her mother have a heated argument. Jing-mei shouts that she wishes she were dead like her mother’s other babies (twins she had lost in China). This comment deeply hurts her mother, and their relationship becomes strained.

The Piano’s Return

Years later, on Jing-mei’s 30th birthday, her mother offers her the piano as a gift. Jing-mei realizes that her mother had never given up hope for her, and she begins to understand her mother’s intentions better.

The Reflection

The story ends with adult Jing-mei sitting at the piano, playing the piece she had failed to perform at the talent show. She discovers that the piece she struggled with as a child is actually two halves of the same song: “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented.” This realization serves as a metaphor for Jing-mei’s journey and her relationship with her mother.

Character Analysis

Let’s take a closer look at the main characters in “Two Kinds”:

Jing-mei (June) Woo

Jing-mei is the protagonist and narrator of the story. As a young girl, she struggles with her mother’s expectations and her own desire for independence. Some key characteristics of Jing-mei include:

1. Rebellion: She actively resists her mother’s efforts to make her a prodigy.
2. Resentment: She feels frustrated by her mother’s constant pressure and comparisons to other children.
3. Guilt: As an adult, she feels remorseful about her past behavior and gains a new understanding of her mother’s intentions.
4. Identity struggle: Jing-mei grapples with her Chinese-American identity throughout the story.

Jing-mei’s Mother

Jing-mei’s mother is a Chinese immigrant who firmly believes in the American Dream. Her character is defined by:

1. Determination: She’s relentless in her pursuit of success for her daughter.
2. High expectations: She constantly pushes Jing-mei to excel and become a prodigy.
3. Cultural values: Her beliefs and actions are heavily influenced by her Chinese background.
4. Love: Despite her sometimes harsh methods, her actions are driven by love for her daughter and a desire for her to have a better life.

Mr. Chong

Mr. Chong is the elderly piano teacher who gives Jing-mei lessons. His character serves several purposes in the story:

1. Comic relief: His deafness and inability to hear Jing-mei’s mistakes add a touch of humor to the story.
2. Symbol of perseverance: Despite his age and disability, he continues to teach piano.
3. Enabler: His praise, though misguided, allows Jing-mei to continue pretending to practice.

Themes in “Two Kinds”

Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” explores several important themes:

Cultural Identity and Generational Conflict

The story highlights the tension between first-generation immigrants and their American-born children. Jing-mei’s mother, with her traditional Chinese values and belief in the American Dream, clashes with Jing-mei’s more Americanized perspective.

Example: The mother’s insistence on Jing-mei becoming a prodigy reflects Chinese cultural values of hard work and excellence, while Jing-mei’s resistance represents a more individualistic, American attitude.

The American Dream

The concept of the American Dream plays a central role in the story. Jing-mei’s mother believes that in America, anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Example: The mother’s statement, “You can be best anything,” encapsulates her belief in the limitless possibilities of the American Dream.

Expectations and Pressure

The story explores the impact of parental expectations and pressure on children. Jing-mei struggles under the weight of her mother’s ambitions for her.

Example: Jing-mei’s rebellion and eventual breakdown at the talent show demonstrate the negative effects of excessive parental pressure.

Identity and Self-Discovery

“Two Kinds” is ultimately a story about Jing-mei’s journey to discover her true self, separate from her mother’s expectations.

Example: The final scene, where adult Jing-mei plays “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented,” symbolizes her growth and self-understanding.

Mother-Daughter Relationships

The complex dynamics between mothers and daughters, especially in immigrant families, is a central theme of the story.

Example: The evolution of Jing-mei and her mother’s relationship, from conflict to understanding, reflects the complexities of mother-daughter bonds.

Literary Devices and Techniques

Amy Tan employs various literary devices to enhance the story’s impact:

Symbolism

The piano serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. It represents:

1. The mother’s ambitions for her daughter
2. The source of conflict between mother and daughter
3. A bridge between cultures
4. A means of eventual understanding and reconciliation

Metaphor

The two halves of the song Jing-mei plays at the end, “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented,” serve as a metaphor for her journey and her relationship with her mother.

Irony

There’s situational irony in the fact that Jing-mei’s lack of talent is unnoticed by her deaf piano teacher, Mr. Chong.

Flashback

The entire story is told as a flashback from adult Jing-mei’s perspective, allowing for reflection and insight.

Imagery

Tan uses vivid imagery to bring scenes to life, such as the description of Jing-mei’s disastrous performance at the talent show.

The Significance of the Title: “Two Kinds”

The title “Two Kinds” is rich with meaning and can be interpreted in several ways:

1. Two kinds of daughters: The prodigy Jing-mei’s mother wants her to be, and the ordinary girl Jing-mei feels she is.
2. Two cultural identities: Chinese and American, which Jing-mei must reconcile.
3. Two generations: The immigrant parents and their American-born children.
4. Two perspectives: The mother’s ambition and Jing-mei’s desire for self-determination.
5. Two halves of the piano piece: “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented,” representing Jing-mei’s journey.

The Story’s Place in Asian-American Literature

“Two Kinds” holds a significant place in Asian-American literature for several reasons:

1. Representation: It provides a nuanced portrayal of the Chinese-American experience, giving voice to a community often underrepresented in American literature.
2. Universal themes: While rooted in the Chinese-American experience, the story explores universal themes of family, identity, and coming-of-age that resonate with a wide audience.
3. Cultural bridge: The story helps non-Asian readers understand the challenges faced by immigrant families and their children.
4. Literary merit: Tan’s skillful writing and complex characterization have earned “Two Kinds” a place in many literature curricula.

Impact and Reception

“Two Kinds,” as part of “The Joy Luck Club,” has had a significant impact on American literature and popular culture:

1. Critical acclaim: The book received widespread praise for its honest and poignant portrayal of the Chinese-American experience.
2. Commercial success: “The Joy Luck Club” became an international bestseller, bringing stories like “Two Kinds” to a global audience.
3. Film adaptation: The success of the book led to a well-received film adaptation in 1993, further popularizing the stories.
4. Educational impact: “Two Kinds” is frequently taught in schools, introducing students to themes of cultural identity and generational conflict.
5. Cultural conversation: The story has contributed to broader discussions about immigrant experiences, assimilation, and the American Dream.

Relevance Today

Although “Two Kinds” was published in 1989, its themes and messages remain relevant today:

1. Immigration debates: As immigration continues to be a hot-button issue, stories like “Two Kinds” provide valuable insight into immigrant experiences.
2. Cultural identity: In an increasingly globalized world, many people struggle with balancing multiple cultural identities, much like Jing-mei.
3. Parental pressure: The effects of high parental expectations on children’s mental health and development continue to be a topic of discussion.
4. American Dream: The story’s exploration of the American Dream resonates in a time of increasing income inequality and changing social mobility.
5. Intergenerational relationships: The complex dynamics between immigrant parents and their American-born children remain a reality for many families.

Lessons and Takeaways

Readers can draw several valuable lessons from “Two Kinds”:

1. Communication is key: Many of the conflicts in the story stem from misunderstandings between Jing-mei and her mother.
2. Cultural understanding: The story highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural perspectives.
3. Balance is important: While ambition and high expectations can be positive, the story shows the dangers of pushing too hard.
4. Self-discovery takes time: Jing-mei’s journey of self-understanding continues into adulthood, reminding us that personal growth is a lifelong process.
5. Perspective changes with time: Adult Jing-mei’s reflections show how our understanding of past events can evolve as we mature.

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FAQs

To wrap up our discussion, let’s address some frequently asked questions about “Two Kinds”:

Q1: Is “Two Kinds” a true story? A: While “Two Kinds” is a work of fiction, Amy Tan has stated that many elements of the story are inspired by her own experiences growing up as a Chinese-American.

Q2: What does the piano symbolize in the story? A: The piano symbolizes the mother’s ambitions for her daughter, the source of conflict between them, and ultimately, a means of understanding and reconciliation.

Q3: Why does Jing-mei’s mother want her to be a prodigy? A: Jing-mei’s mother believes in the American Dream and wants her daughter to have a better life. She also likely sees her daughter’s success as a reflection of her own worth as a parent.

Q4: What is the significance of the two halves of the song at the end of the story? A: The two halves of the song, “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented,” serve as a metaphor for Jing-mei’s journey and her relationship with her mother. They represent the struggle and eventual peace that Jing-mei experiences.

Q5: How does the story explore the concept of the American Dream? A: The story shows both the allure and the potential pitfalls of the American Dream. While Jing-mei’s mother believes fervently in the possibilities America offers, the story also shows the pressure and conflict this belief can create.

Q6: What is the main conflict in “Two Kinds”? A: The main conflict is between Jing-mei and her mother, stemming from the mother’s high expectations and Jing-mei’s desire for independence and self-determination.

Q7: How does the story end? A: The story ends with adult Jing-mei playing the piano piece she struggled with as a child, gaining new insight into her relationship with her mother and her own journey of self-discovery.

Q8: What does the title “Two Kinds” refer to? A: The title can be interpreted in multiple ways, including two kinds of daughters (prodigy vs. ordinary), two cultural identities (Chinese vs. American), or two generations (immigrant parents vs. American-born children).

Q9: How does “Two Kinds” relate to the larger work, “The Joy Luck Club”? A: “Two Kinds” is one chapter in “The Joy Luck Club,” which consists of interconnected stories about four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters. The themes in “Two Kinds” are explored throughout the larger work.

Q10: What genre is “Two Kinds”? A: “Two Kinds” is a short story that falls under the genres of literary fiction and Asian-American literature.