Jing-mei, the protagonist in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds," is a complex character caught between her mother's high expectations and her own desire for individuality. She embodies the struggle of a first-generation American child, feeling the pressure to succeed while resisting her mother's dreams of making her a prodigy. Jing-mei's defiance and eventual acceptance of her identity highlight the tension between cultural heritage and personal autonomy. Ultimately, her character reflects the broader themes of identity, familial conflict, and the search for self-acceptance.
Jing-mei and her mother are not wealthy primarily due to their immigrant status and the challenges that come with it, which limit their economic opportunities. Additionally, they run a struggling Chinese restaurant, which likely faces financial difficulties and competition, further contributing to their lack of wealth.
Inherited traits.
Becky
Pessimistic and greedy might be two detailed adjectives that describe the character Mathilde from the short story "The Necklace."
Jodie Foster and Julianne Moore
Jing-mei's mother's name in "Two Kinds" is Suyuan Woo.
miserable
Jing-mei's mother
The mother in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan can be seen as the antagonist character. She puts pressure on her daughter to be a prodigy and pushes her into activities that the daughter does not enjoy, causing conflict between them.
In "Two Kinds," Jing-mei decides to stop playing the piano after a disastrous recital. Later, her mother offers the piano to Jing-mei as she prepares to move out, but Jing-mei declines and leaves it behind. The piano ultimately gets sold when Jing-mei's parents move to a smaller apartment.
Three main events in "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan include Jing-Mei's mother's insistence that she become a prodigy, Jing-Mei's refusal to practice and play the piano, and the climactic piano showdown where Jing-Mei fails miserably. The story explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the pursuit of identity.
Determined and resilient. Suyuan Woo demonstrates a strong will and perseverance in pursuing her ambitions for her daughter Jing-mei, even in the face of difficulties and setbacks. Her determination is evident in her unwavering belief in Jing-mei's potential and her insistence on pushing her to excel.
internal and external
Her two sisters
Lost her home and family
One irony in "Two Kinds" is that Jing-mei's mother pushes her to become a prodigy yet fails to see Jing-mei's true talents and desires. Another irony is the realization at the end that both mother and daughter were ultimately searching for a sense of connection and understanding with each other.
Suyuan Woo exemplifies determination in the story "Two Kinds." Her relentless pursuit of her dreams for her daughter, Jing-mei, reflects her strong will and desire for success, rooted in her own challenging past. This determination, however, often manifests as pressure, leading to conflict between mother and daughter as Suyuan's expectations clash with Jing-mei's sense of identity and autonomy. Ultimately, Suyuan's character highlights the complexities of ambition and the impact of cultural expectations on familial relationships.