“Two Kinds” by Amy Tan: Critical Analysis

“Two Kinds” by Amy Tan, an American writer who was born in Oakland, California in 1952, was first published in the literary magazine The Atlantic Monthly in 1989 and later became part of Tan’s debut book, “The Joy Luck Club” in 1991. The story follows the relationship between a Chinese-American mother and her daughter, who struggle to understand each other’s expectations and cultural identities. “Two Kinds” became a widely read and acclaimed piece of literature, and has since been included in numerous anthologies and literature textbooks. Its popularity is due to its poignant exploration of the complexities of immigrant identity and the mother-daughter relationship, themes that resonate with many readers across cultures and generations.

Main Events in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

1. Immigrant Aspirations: A Chinese immigrant mother, who has experienced profound loss, places her hopes for a better future on her American-born daughter.
2. The Pursuit of Prodigy Status: The mother believes her daughter possesses the potential for extraordinary success and seeks to mold her into a child prodigy.
3. Testing and Disillusionment: The mother devises a series of tests to uncover her daughter’s latent talent, but the daughter, increasingly discontented, fails them all.
4. Resistance and Self-Assertion: The daughter resists her mother’s expectations, and in an act of defiance, cultivates a newfound sense of individuality.
5. Musical Ambitions: Inspired by a young Chinese piano prodigy on television, the mother focuses on developing her daughter’s musical talent.
6. Lessons with the Eccentric: The daughter’s piano lessons with the aging, deaf instructor, Mr. Chong, provide an opportunity for subtle rebellion.
7. The Talent Show Debacle: The daughter’s performance at a public talent show becomes a humiliating failure, exposing the futility of her mother’s efforts.
8. Missed Expectations: The failed performance seemingly ends the daughter’s forced piano education, only to be met with continued insistence from her mother.
9. Mother-Daughter Conflict: A pivotal confrontation ensues, with the daughter rejecting her mother’s ambitions and asserting her right to autonomy.
10. The Crushing of Dreams: The daughter’s declaration shatters her mother’s dreams and marks a turning point in their relationship.

Literary Devices in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

1. Allusion: Amy Tan uses allusions of Shirley Temple and the Bible to underscore her mother’s aspirations for her. Shirley Temple embodies the archetype of the ideal American child, while the biblical reference highlights the potential for redemption through perseverance, a concept central to the mother’s worldview.
2. Characterization: Tan utilizes rich characterization to imbue her characters with depth and realism. Jing-mei, the protagonist, is portrayed as a complex young girl embodying both obedience and defiance. Her mother emerges as a resolute figure driven by a fierce desire for her daughter’s success.
3. Conflict: The central conflict between Jing-mei and her mother propels the narrative. Jing-mei yearns for self-determination and resists her mother’s imposed expectations, while her mother is relentless in her pursuit of molding her daughter into a prodigy.
4. Flashback: Tan masterfully employs flashbacks, allowing Jing-mei to reflect on formative experiences, revealing her motivations and emotional state. This technique adds layers to the storytelling and illuminates the characters’ inner lives.
5. Foreshadowing: The story’s title, “Two Kinds,” subtly foreshadows the core conflict. Furthermore, the opening mention of a prodigy sets the stage for the mother’s unwavering expectations.
6. Imagery: Tan’s evocative imagery creates a tangible sense of setting and mood. The depictions of the piano and Jing-mei’s lessons generate an atmosphere of mounting tension and frustration.
7. Irony: The poignant irony lies in Jing-mei’s adult realization that her mother’s ambitions centered on providing opportunities for success, rather than solely on creating a prodigy.
8. Metaphor: The piano serves as a powerful metaphor for the mother’s unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. It embodies her hope for Jing-mei to achieve greatness.
9. Motif: The recurring motif of identity underscores Jing-mei’s struggle for self-definition and her rebellion against the confines placed on her by her mother.
10. Point of View: The first-person perspective from Jing-mei’s viewpoint grants the reader intimate access to her inner turmoil and evolving understanding.
11. Repetition: The repeated phrase “only two kinds of daughters” accentuates the rigidity of the mother’s expectations and the limitations imposed on Jing-mei’s sense of self.
12. Setting: The backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s and 1960s infuses the story with historical and cultural context, shaping the characters’ experiences.
13. Symbolism: The piano transcends its literal meaning, symbolizing the mother’s unattained aspirations. Jing-mei’s failure to master the instrument represents her resistance to externally imposed expectations.
14. Theme: The overarching theme explores the complexities of forging one’s identity while navigating familial and societal pressures.

Characterization in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Major Characters:

• Jing-mei Woo: The protagonist and narrator, a young Chinese-American girl struggling with imposed expectations, cultural identity, and the desire for self-determination. References: “You could be best anything” (mother’s aspiration), “I won’t let her change me…” (inner defiance).
•  Jing-mei’s Mother: A complex figure driven by unfulfilled dreams and past trauma, projecting her ambitions onto her daughter with a combination of demanding expectations and deep love. References: “Lost everything in China…” (past influencing motivation), “Only two kinds of daughters…” (rigid worldview).

Minor Characters:

• Auntie Lindo: Serves as a contrasting figure to Jing-mei’s mother, embodying a different approach to child-rearing with a focus on innate talent. Reference: “She bring home too many trophy…” (emphasizes achievement)
• Waverly Jong: A young chess prodigy, symbolizing the fulfillment of the mother’s desires, potentially highlighting the cost of relentless focus on external success. Reference: Waverly’s sullen demeanor during the talent show.
• Mr. Chong: The enigmatic, deaf piano instructor. His unconventional teaching methods provide an opportunity for subtle rebellion and underscore the theme of differing perceptions. Reference: Jing-mei finding ways to play poorly despite his dedication.

Major Themes in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

1. Mother-daughter relationship: The story revolves around the relationship between Jing-mei and her mother, who have very different ideas about what Jing-mei’s future should look like. The theme of the mother-daughter relationship highlights the conflict between parents and children, as well as the struggles of growing up and finding one’s own identity.
2. Cultural assimilation: The story touches on the theme of cultural assimilation as Jing-mei and her mother navigate their lives in America while holding onto their Chinese heritage. Jing-mei’s mother believes that her daughter should strive to become a prodigy in order to succeed in American society, whereas Jing-mei wants to embrace her individuality and find her own path.
3. The American Dream: The American Dream is a key theme in the story as Jing-mei’s mother sees her daughter’s potential to become a prodigy as a way to achieve success in America. The pursuit of the American Dream represents the desire for a better life, but also highlights the sacrifices and challenges that come with trying to achieve it.
4. Identity and individuality: Jing-mei’s struggle to find her own identity and voice is a recurring theme throughout the story. Jing-mei’s mother wants her daughter to become a prodigy in order to fit in with American society, but Jing-mei resists this pressure and ultimately chooses to embrace her own individuality. The theme of identity and individuality highlights the importance of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Writing Style in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

1. Vivid Narrative: Tan employs rich imagery and sensory details to create a tangible experience for the reader. Examples: “my hair… an uneven mass of crinkly black fuzz,” “frantic little piano piece with a mesmerizing quality…”
2. Symbolism and Metaphor:
3. Tan utilizes these literary devices to convey complex themes. Examples: The piano embodying the mother’s unfulfilled aspirations, “Pleading Child” representing the power dynamic within their relationship.
4. Tonal Shifts: Tan skillfully blends humor and pathos for emotional impact. Examples: Jing-mei’s initial enthusiasm for potential stardom contrasts with her later defiance: “I pictured this prodigy part of me…” vs. “I won’t let her change me…”
5. Accessibility: Tan’s language, though descriptive, maintains a conversational tone, fostering a connection between the reader and the characters’ struggles.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Literary Theory	Key Concepts	Application to “Two Kinds”
Feminist Theory	Examines gender roles, power dynamics, and female agency within literature	* Exploration of the mother-daughter dynamic as a reflection of societal expectations and constraints placed on women. * Analysis of Jing-mei’s struggle for self-determination as a form of resistance against patriarchal norms.
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s active role in constructing meaning from a text.	* Investigation of how individual readers may interpret the motivations of the mother or relate to the themes of familial pressure based on personal experiences. * Analysis of how the story’s open-ended conclusion can lead to differing interpretations.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the influence of unconscious desires, motivations, and repressed memories on characters’ actions.	* Examination of the mother’s fixation on her daughter’s success as a potential manifestation of her own unfulfilled dreams and past traumas. * Exploration of Jing-Mei’s rebelliousness as a subconscious response to control and suppressed individuality.
Postcolonial Theory	Focuses on the impact of colonialism and imperialism on literature, particularly works by authors from marginalized cultures.	* Analysis of how the immigrant experience shapes the mother’s aspirations and her pursuit of the American Dream for her daughter. * Consideration of how the story critiques the notion of assimilation by highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and individual identity.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Topic 1: The Price of Unrealistic Expectations

• Question: How does Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” illustrate the destructive impact of unfulfilled parental expectations on a child’s development of self?
• Thesis Statement: In “Two Kinds”, Tan reveals the damaging consequences of unrealistic parental ambition; Jing-mei’s thwarted sense of identity and the strained mother-daughter relationship highlight the harmful effects of prioritizing external validation over nurturing individual potential.

Topic 2: The Immigrant Experience and the American Dream

• Question: To what extent does “Two Kinds” explore the complexities of the immigrant experience and differing interpretations of the American Dream?
• Thesis Statement: “Two Kinds” offers a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience; showcasing the mother’s pursuit of traditional markers of success as a means of overcoming past trauma, while Jing-mei’s resistance highlights the importance of self-determination within the framework of a new cultural landscape.

Topic 3: The Power of Symbolism

• Question: How does Amy Tan employ symbolism in “Two Kinds” to illuminate the story’s central themes?
• Thesis Statement: Tan masterfully utilizes symbols such as the piano, the sheet music, and even the title “Two Kinds” to deepen the story’s exploration of identity, conflict, and the complex power dynamics between Jing-mei and her mother.

Topic 4: Finding One’s Voice

• Question: In what ways does “Two Kinds” depict the struggle to forge personal identity amidst conflicting cultural and familial pressures?
• Thesis Statement:“Two Kinds” chronicles Jing-mei’s transformative journey. Through defiance and self-discovery, she ultimately embraces her unique identity, shattering the limitations imposed by both her mother and broader societal expectations.

Short Question-Answer about “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Question 1: How does the story depict the conflict between Jing-mei and her mother?

Answer: The conflict hinges on their differing views of success and potential. Jing-mei’s mother, a Chinese immigrant, believes in the American Dream and pushes Jing-mei towards prodigy status (“Only you can decide between freedom and rules” ). Jing-mei resists this pressure, desiring a life of her own choosing.

Question 2: What is the significance of the piano in the story?

Answer: The piano acts as a symbol of both their clashes and potential connection. Initially, it represents her mother’s imposed dreams, but later it holds the potential for reconciliation. After Jing-mei’s mother’s death, rediscovering the piano pieces (“Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented”) helps her understand her mother’s complex motivations.

Question 3: How does Jing-mei’s attitude towards her mother change throughout the story?

Answer: Jing-mei’s attitude shifts from childish defiance to resentment then finally to understanding. Initially, she rebels (“I won’t let her change me”). Eventually, she recognizes the sacrifices her mother made (“…part of me knew I had to give in and do more than say thanks.”). After her mother’s death, she finds a bittersweet understanding of their relationship.

Question 4: How does the theme of cultural identity play out in the story?

Answer: The story explores the clash between Jing-mei’s mother’s traditional Chinese values and the American emphasis on individualism. Her mother believes in limitless potential (“You could be anything you want”). Jing-mei must reconcile her American sense of self with her mother’s expectations shaped by her immigrant background.

Literary Works Similar to “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Fiction:

• The Joy Luck Club (also by Amy Tan): Explores the lives and relationships of four Chinese-American families, highlighting intergenerational conflict and cultural heritage.
• The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri: Traces the journey of a Bengali-American boy struggling with his dual cultural identity and the weight of his name.
• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: A coming-of-age story of a young Mexican-American girl finding her voice in a challenging environment.
• Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri: A collection of short stories navigating cultural differences and the complexities of immigrant experiences.

Nonfiction/Memoir:

• The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston: Blends Chinese myth and autobiography to explore what it means to be a Chinese-American woman.
• Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua: A controversial memoir about raising children using a strict, traditional Chinese parenting style.

Suggested Readings: “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

Books

• Bloom, Harold, ed. Amy Tan. Chelsea House Publishers, 2009. (Check for a chapter specifically on “Two Kinds”)
• Huntley, E. D. Amy Tan: A Critical Companion. Greenwood Press, 2001.

Articles (From Scholarly Journals)

• Li, Stephanie. “Mothers and Daughters in Amy Tan’s ‘Two Kinds’.” Explicator, vol. 75, no. 4, 2017, pp. 236-239. Project Muse, doi:10.1080/00144940.2017.1345928.
• Xiao, Jing. “Two Kinds of Daughters: Mother-Daughter Relationships in Amy Tan’s Works.” Canadian Social Science, vol. 5, no 6, 2009, pp. 72-78.

Websites

• LitCharts. “Two Kinds.” LitCharts, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-joy-luck-club
• The Amy Tan Foundation. https://lannan.org/bios/amy-tan (Author’s official website – may have essays or critical analyses)