Final answer:
Amy Tan's description in 'Fish Cheeks' conveys a message of cultural contrast and Tan's personal discomfort at the dinner table. The dining etiquette depicted illustrates the differences between her family's informal, communal approach and Robert's family's structured, Western practices. This highlights themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle between assimilation and preserving cultural heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amy Tan's description in the excerpt from Fish Cheeks sends a message of cultural contrast and discomfort. Through the actions and behaviors of the characters at the dinner table, Tan highlights the differences in dining etiquette and family interactions between her family and Robert's, which symbolizes broader cultural differences. The relatives' use of chopsticks and the casual way they share food from communal plates stands in stark contrast to Robert's more formal Western dining practices, where platters are passed and personal space is respected. Tan feels despair because she is acutely aware of these differences and is concerned about being judged by Robert and his family.
Dining practices are often a reflection of cultural norms and values. Where Tan's family's actions suggest a communal and relaxed atmosphere, emphasizing sharing and informality, Robert's family waits for an organized passing of dishes, indicating a more structured and perhaps reserved dining experience. These nuances also suggest underlying themes such as identity, acceptance, and the struggle between assimilation and preserving one's cultural heritage. Tan is essentially sharing a moment of cultural clash that is personal and transformative, showing readers the impact of cultural expectations on self-perception and relationships.