Unlocking Dreams: What is the Mother's Aspiration for Her Daughter in 'Two Kinds'?

Explore the complex relationship between a mother and daughter in Amy Tan's 'Two Kinds' and the clash of dreams and identity.

64 views

In 'Two Kinds' by Amy Tan, the mother's dream for her daughter is to become a prodigy. She believes that in America, one can be anything they desire. She tries to shape her daughter into a piano virtuoso, emphasizing the idea of achieving great success and acclaim. This dream, however, creates tension and conflict between them as her daughter struggles with her own identity and aspirations.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are the main themes in 'Two Kinds'? The main themes include cultural identity, the conflict between parental expectations and personal aspirations, and the struggles of self-identity.
  2. How does the mother's perspective influence the daughter's ambitions? The mother believes in the American dream and pushes her daughter to become a prodigy, creating a significant conflict between their aspirations.
  3. What literary techniques does Amy Tan use in 'Two Kinds'? Tan employs symbolism, character development, and thematic contrasts to explore the relationship between the mother and daughter and the concept of ambition.
  4. What does 'Two Kinds' say about success? The story examines the pressure of achieving success as defined by parental expectations, highlighting the tension between personal dreams and cultural values.

Watch More

For more discussions on cultural identity and family dynamics in literature, check out our videos analyzing other works by Amy Tan and notable themes in Chinese-American stories.

  1. Understanding the Cool Girl Theory in Gone Girl Explore the Cool Girl Theory in Gone Girl and its critique on societal expectations of women in relationships.