The Story Of Jing-Mie

Jing-mie fails miserably at the talent show. The performance is full of wrong notes and discordance. The audience, with the exception of her deaf piano instructor, stunned into silence and embarrassed by Jing-mie's performance, “clapped weakly” (Tan 61). Her piano instructor, Old Chong, unable to hear and fooled by her perfect form, was the only one who clapped enthusiastically for her. Jing-mie’s mother is stricken with disappointment and embarrassment. After her disastrous performance, Jing-mie is sure her mother would give up on the idea of her becoming a prodigy and allow her to discontinue the piano lessons. Later in life, the piano plays the role of a peace offering, as sign that all is forgiven.