Question

Write a compare and contrast analysis of how "Broken Chain" and "Fish Cheeks" both address a common theme about belonging. (It needs to be an entire analysis)

Answer 1

Broken Chain is a short story written by Gary Soto that narrates the story of a young boy named Alfonso, the protagonist. He has crooked teeth. And he wanted to fix his teeth so that when he goes to the swimming in the canal next summer, girls would notice him and boys may think him to be tough.
In the short story, "Fish Cheeks" written by Amy Tan, the narrator wants to change her looks because she fell in love with the minister's son. She wished to have a new American nose and look American.
The theme of both stories is based on appearance. Both the protagonist want to change something in their looks to impress someone. The moral of both the stories is that looks are not everything to impress someone you love.

Answer 2

"Broken Chain" by Gary Soto and "Fish Cheeks" by Amy Tan are two works of literature that address the theme of belonging. Both works explore the idea that individuals may struggle to fit in and feel accepted, especially when their culture, beliefs, and experiences are different from those around them. The two authors use their own experiences and perspectives to create works that highlight the importance of cultural identity and the challenges of finding one's place in the world.

"Broken Chain" is a story about a young boy named Rafael who wants to belong to a gang. Rafael is of Mexican descent and lives in a neighborhood where gangs are a big part of the culture. He sees the gang as a way to fit in and be accepted by his peers. However, as he becomes more involved in the gang, he realizes that it is not the solution to his problem of feeling like an outsider. Instead, it only leads to more violence and trouble. In the end, Rafael learns that true belonging comes from within and that he must be proud of his cultural heritage in order to feel truly accepted.

"Fish Cheeks" is a personal essay that tells the story of the author's childhood experiences with cultural identity and belonging. Amy Tan grew up in America as a Chinese-American, and she often felt like she didn't belong in either culture. In the essay, she describes a dinner party at her house when she was 14 years old, and she was embarrassed by her family's Chinese customs. She wanted to fit in with her American friends and be accepted by them, but instead, she felt like an outsider. In the end, she learns to embrace her cultural heritage and to be proud of who she is.

In both works, the authors explore the idea that belonging is not just about fitting in with others but about being true to one's self. Rafael and Amy both struggle to find their place in the world, but they ultimately realize that they must be proud of their cultural heritage in order to feel truly accepted. Both works also show that belonging is not a one-time event but a journey that requires self-discovery and the willingness to embrace one's true identity.

In conclusion, "Broken Chain" and "Fish Cheeks" are two works that address the common theme of belonging. Both works explore the idea that cultural identity and self-discovery are essential for finding one's place in the world and feeling accepted. The authors use their own experiences to create works that highlight the challenges and rewards of embracing one's cultural heritage and finding true belonging.