Table of contentsIntroductionCharacter analysisA. Jing-mei (the protagonist)B. Suyuan Woo (Jing-mei's mother)Theme of identityA. Exploring Jing-meiB's search for identity. Complicated relationship between mother and daughterSymbolismA. The piano as a symbol of Jing-meiB's identity. The Prodigy Mindset as a Symbol of Cultural ExpectationsConclusionReferencesIntroductionAmy Tan is a Chinese-American writer whose works explore the complexities of cultural identity, family relationships, and the immigrant experience. Her short story “Two Kinds” tells the story of a young Chinese-American girl named Jing-mei who faces pressures and expectations from her mother in her quest for identity. This essay will explore the theme of identity and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, as depicted in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayCharacter AnalysisA. Jing-mei (the protagonist)As the central character of the story, Jing-mei represents the struggle of many second-generation immigrant children in America. She feels torn between her Chinese heritage and the American culture she grew up in. Jing-mei is constantly trying to find her own identity while balancing her mother's expectations and societal norms. Throughout the story, Jing-mei's internal conflict and desire for autonomy are evident. She rejects her mother's efforts to make her a prodigy and instead seeks to pursue her own goals. Over time, Jing-mei evolves and begins to embrace her unique identity. Jing-mei's relationship with her mother is also an important aspect of her identity formation. At first, she is irritated by her mother's attempts to turn her into a prodigy, but as she grows older, she develops a better understanding of her mother's reasons.B. Suyuan Woo (Jing-mei's mother)Suyuan Woo is a first-generation immigrant who came to America after fleeing China. Her experiences have shaped her expectations and values, and she in turn tries to pass them on to her daughter. Her ultimate goal is to make Jing-mei a prodigy, which she believes would give her a better future. Although Suyuan's actions are aimed at what she believes is best for Jing-mei, they have a negative impact on her daughter. -confidence and personal growth. Her ultimate rejection of the prodigy mentality leads her to pursue a unique identity.Theme of IdentityA. Exploring Jing-mei's Quest for Identity Jing-mei's quest for identity is a major theme of the story. She is caught between two cultures and this conflict is evident throughout the story. She struggles to reconcile the differences between her heritage and her upbringing in America, often conforming to society's expectations at the expense of her own desires. Exploring Jing-mei's journey toward adopting a unique identity shows the challenges and joys of life as a second generation. immigrant. His personal growth and acceptance of his unique cultural heritage is a powerful experience for many.B. Complicated relationship between mother and daughter The complicated relationship between Jing-mei and her mother is a key aspect of the story. The contrast in the values ​​and expectations of the two generations reflects the larger generational gap between immigrants and their U.S.-born children. While there is tension and power dynamics between them, there is also love and concern. The story highlights the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, particularly the pressure to conform to cultural expectations while maintaining individuality.SymbolismA. The piano as a symbol, 2(3), 228-247.