"Two Kinds" is a short story by Amy Tan, part of her book "The Joy Luck Club."
The story explores themes of identity, expectations, and the complex mother-daughter relationship.
Main Characters
Jing-mei: The protagonist, a young girl growing up in America.
Jing-mei's Mother: A Chinese immigrant with high expectations for her daughter, hoping she will fulfill the American Dream.
Plot Summary
Background
Jing-mei's mother lost her family in China and came to the U.S. hoping for a better life, placing her hopes on Jing-mei.
Both mother and daughter initially share a goal of success, drawing inspiration from child stars like Shirley Temple.
Rising Conflict
Jing-mei is subjected to nightly tests by her mother, aiming to discover her hidden talent.
Jing-mei begins to see her mother's expectations as unattainable and resents the pressure to conform.
Turning Point
Jing-mei's mother sees a talented Chinese girl on TV, rekindling her hopes for Jing-mei's potential.
Piano lessons are arranged with Mr. Chong, an elderly and partially deaf neighbor.
Jing-mei resists and performs poorly on purpose, testing how many mistakes she can make.
Climax
Jing-mei's parents buy a secondhand piano, and she is signed up for a church talent show.
Despite her confidence, Jing-mei performs badly, leading to public humiliation.
Falling Action
Jing-mei's mother remains composed, but the silent car ride home is tense.
A few days later, Jing-mei refuses to practice the piano, leading to a confrontation with her mother.
Jing-mei sharply tells her mother she wishes she were dead like the twins lost in China, causing a break in the relationship.
Resolution
Jing-mei grows up, feeling she has disappointed her mother in various ways.
The piano remains a symbol of her mother's hopes and Jing-mei's rebellion.
On her 30th birthday, her mother offers Jing-mei the piano, signifying forgiveness and understanding.
After her mother's death, Jing-mei rediscovers her music books, finding meaning in the songs "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented," realizing they are two halves of the same song, symbolizing her reconciliation with her past.
Themes
Parental Expectations vs. Individuality: The story delves into the struggle between parental hopes and the child's desire to forge her own identity.
American Dream: The mother's belief in the American Dream and her hopes for Jing-mei reflect immigrant aspirations.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Jing-mei's journey is about finding her identity amidst the pressures of external expectations.
Symbolism
The Piano: Represents the mother's dreams and the pressure on Jing-mei, as well as the reconciliation between them later in life.
Conclusion
"Two Kinds" is a poignant exploration of the dynamics between a mother and daughter, highlighting cultural expectations and the path to self-acceptance.