American Born Chinese is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang that explores the experiences of three characters: the Monkey King, Jin Wang, and Danny. As a reader, I found two plot elements to be particularly effective in the first part of the novel: the use of humor and the exploration of cultural identity.
The use of humor in American Born Chinese is one of the most effective plot elements in the first part of the novel. The novel has many comedic moments that not only provide comic relief, but also serve to highlight important themes and ideas. For example, in the story of the Monkey King, he is given a powerful weapon called the Golden-Hooped Rod, but he must shrink to fit inside his ear in order to wield it. This humorous situation highlights the idea that even the most powerful beings can have weaknesses, and that humility is an important virtue. Another example is when Jin Wang's mother tells him that he must eat his food "because children in China are starving." This exaggerated statement is both humorous and poignant, as it shows how the pressure to conform to cultural expectations can lead to guilt and shame.
The exploration of cultural identity is another effective plot element in American Born Chinese. Throughout the novel, the characters struggle with questions of identity and belonging, as they navigate their experiences as immigrants and second-generation Americans. For example, Jin Wang struggles to fit in at school and feels ashamed of his Chinese heritage, while Danny tries to distance himself from his Chinese identity by adopting the persona of a white American boy. The Monkey King's story also explores themes of identity, as he seeks acceptance and recognition from the other gods and struggles to find his place in the world. By examining these complex issues, the novel provides a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals and communities grappling with questions of cultural identity.
Overall, I found American Born Chinese to be a compelling and engaging graphic novel that effectively uses humor and the exploration of cultural identity to explore important themes and ideas. The use of humor provides a unique perspective on important issues, while the exploration of cultural identity offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the experiences of immigrants and second-generation Americans. I look forward to reading the rest of the novel to see how these plot elements develop and intersect.