Essay On Symbolism In American Born Chinese

When Author Gene Luen Yang wrote American Born Chinese he used many aspects of symbolism. Symbolism is when something concrete stands for something abstract. In American Born Chinese the Author Gene Yang used the number 490 to symbolize the end and a new beginning.

At the end of the graphic novel, the Monkey King drop a piece of paper to a place called the 490 Bakery. According to Angel numbers, the number four hundred Ninety means that it is the end of one's journey and the beginning of a new one. Angel numbers are ways for celestial beings to communicate with us. The Monkey King gave this to him so he could continue his life not questioning does he belong here in America.

Jin throughout the novel has had struggles trying to fit in American
The girl that Jin was in love with was taken away from him a boy told him he was not good for Amelia. The boy told him he was a nice guy but a geek with messed up hair. That was not the only problem. Suzy was upset that her friend from years did not invite her to her party after she found out only their parents wanted to hang out. Also that same day a boy named Timmy called her a “chink”. While she was crying Jin did a stupid thing and kissed her which resulted in her punching him. That night Wei-Chen came to his house Jin insulted him by saying that Suzy could do better than a fresh out the boat like him. Remembering the Herbalist wife said that he could be whoever he wanted to be. So that night he turned into Danny.

At the end, Jin finally accepted himself as an Asian American that was the end of his first journey. Jin accepted himself after hearing Wei-Chen and his father’s story. He realized he needed to make amends with Wei-Chen. After talking with Wei-Chen Jin was finally able to see that he did not need to change and that he is fine the way he is. Although his next journey in life is unknown Jin knows that he does not have to worry about questioning himself