Examples Of Shame In Literature

Guilt and Shame in Literature Authors who write successful literature often have a strong theme that resonates with the readers and keeps their interest. A famous example of literature with distinct themes is William Shakespeare’s work. Shakespeare’s plays appeal and connect to his diverse audience by exploring the concepts of humanity. For example, in Romeo and Juliet he uses themes of love and tragedy, and in Hamlet, he uses themes such as desire and death. One of most humane themes an author can use is Shame. Everyone feels shame, a haunting shadow that lurks over oneself, our shames reflects the bounds of our conscience and in turn our humanity. Shame and guilt can prevent us from committing evil or from committing the same evils again
The mothers are disgraced by the absence of Chinese principle in their daughter's’ lives. They feel the Chinese way is superior, however, their daughter’s approach life in a more northern mindset having grown up in America. On page 254, Lindo Jong says,”...I wanted my children to have the best combination: American circumstances and Chinese character...but I couldn’t teach her about Chinese character...How not to show your own thoughts, to put your feelings behind your face so you can take advantage of hidden opportunities...Why Chinese thinking is best”. This quote shows the shared perspective of the mothers, they feel disconnected from their daughter’s and are disappointed because they were unable to communicate the essence of a Chinese woman to them In the same way, the daughters struggle to accept their mother’s Chinese nature and understanding of things. They are embarrassed by the way their mothers act. For example, on page 166 when Waverly Jong describes her mother’s behavior at the restaurant saying, “Then she tapped the waiter’s arm, wiped the length of her chopsticks with her fingers, and sniffed:‘this greasy thing, do you expect me to eat with it?’ She made a show of washing out her rice bowl with hot tea, and then warned other restaurant patrons to do the same.” This quote shows how Lindo embarrases her daughter in public. Lastly, the daughters feel shame that they cannot reach their mother's high expectations. For example, on page 134 June says, “And after seeing my mother’s disappointed face once again something inside of me began to die”. June feels as though she has failed her mother time and time again as each week her mother tries to instill a new talent in her. The other daughters face similar conflicts with their mothers as well. In the end, they come to accept each