"Two Kinds" is a short story by Amy Tan that explores the relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her American-born daughter. The story centers around the mother's efforts to mold her daughter into a prodigy, as she believes that this will bring her the success and fulfillment she desires. However, the daughter resists her mother's efforts and the two are constantly at odds, resulting in a complex and strained relationship. Through its portrayal of the mother-daughter conflict, "Two Kinds" highlights the theme of conflict as a major force driving the story's events and character development.
One key example of conflict in "Two Kinds" is the disagreement between the mother and daughter over the daughter's potential and the mother's expectations for her. The mother is convinced that her daughter has the potential to become a genius, and pushes her to excel in various areas such as piano, math, and language. However, the daughter struggles to meet her mother's expectations and feels overwhelmed and frustrated by the constant pressure to succeed. This conflict is exemplified by a scene in which the daughter refuses to perform at a talent show, stating that she is "not a genius" and that her mother's expectations are impossible to fulfill. This confrontation highlights the tension and disagreement between the two characters, as the mother is unwilling to accept that her daughter may not be capable of achieving her high expectations.
Another example of conflict is the cultural divide between the mother and daughter. The mother is an immigrant from China and has a strong sense of tradition and cultural identity, while the daughter is American-born and more assimilated into American culture. This cultural divide is a source of conflict between the two characters, as the mother often tries to impose her own cultural values and beliefs on the daughter. For example, the mother insists that the daughter learn Chinese and follow traditional Chinese customs, even though the daughter is more comfortable with and interested in American culture. This conflict is further compounded by the fact that the daughter does not fully understand or appreciate her mother's cultural background, leading to misunderstandings and resentment between the two.
In addition to the conflicts between the mother and daughter, "Two Kinds" also explores the internal conflicts faced by the daughter as she tries to find her own identity and place in the world. The daughter is torn between her desire to please her mother and her own sense of self, and this internal conflict is exemplified by her struggle to balance her own interests and desires with her mother's expectations. This conflict is also evident in the daughter's relationship with Jing-mei, a Chinese girl her own age who embodies the traditional and obedient daughter that the mother desires. The daughter feels envious and resentful of Jing-mei, and this jealousy further complicates her own sense of identity and purpose.
In conclusion, conflict is a major theme in "Two Kinds," as it drives the actions and relationships of the main characters and shapes their identities. The conflict between the mother and daughter over expectations and cultural differences, as well as the daughter's internal conflict over her own identity and purpose, all contribute to the overall theme of conflict in the story. Through its portrayal of these conflicts, the story offers a nuanced and complex depiction of the challenges and complexities of relationships and self-discovery.