Cultural Differences In An-Mei, Rose, Waverly, And Lena

Do your actions pull you closer to your culture or lure you towards modern society? Jing-mei, Rose, Waverly, and Lena all share one characteristic, regardless of their contrasting personalities. Their desires to fit into American culture contribute to the majority of their problems because they find themselves caught in-between two distant worlds - Chinese vs. American. Often in such situations, the girls seek escape to their American sides, disregarding their Chinese heritage. "I wanted my children to have the best combination: American circumstances and Chinese character. How could I know these two things do not mix?" (Pg. 254) To the mothers, their greatest fears lie in the omission of Chinese culture and adaptation to American life. "They see daughters who grow impatient when their mothers talk in Chinese... who will bear grandchildren born without any connecting hope passed from generation to generation." (Pg. 40-41) With every step the girls take towards becoming more Americanized, they end up being drawn towards their roots. "In a crowd of Caucasians, two Chinese people are already like family." (Pg. 198) Culture
In the beginning of the chapter, Rose introduces An-mei as a once-dedicated follower of Christianity. Throughout the years, however, her faithfulness had faltered, leading An-mei to a stage of nor believing nor denying her old beliefs. "That leatherette Bible wound up wedged under a t00-short table leg, a way for her to correct the imbalances of life." (Pg. 116) Without the Bible, her life would be incomplete, hinting the reader that An-mei is still very fond of it. "My mother had a look on her face that I'll never forget. It was one of complete despair and horror... for being so foolish as to think she could use faith to change fate." (Pg. 130) By the end of the chapter, An-mei has lost faith, yet remains somewhat loyal to the Bible. She is half a believer and half a