Two Kinds

In “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan, two kinds of perspectives bring a new meaning to the ordinary American dream. Jing-Mei, the daughter of Suyuan Woo, a Chinese immigrant mother strongly believes in living the American Dream. In Order to live the life they wish Suyuan had hopes in fame. Their American fairytale to journey lavishly included an astonishing talent. They would practice mocking the famous Shirley Temple. As a mother and daughter they became partners by trying to make Jing-Mei have a talent that can not be taught. “In all of my imaginings I was filled with a sense that I would soon become perfect: my mother and father would adore me”, states Jing-Mei. The effort towards their fantasy decreases when Jing-Mei’s reflection reveals a power that developed her own dream. In “Two Kinds” you see the conflict in different point of views from the characters, and their kind of freedom.
The illusion of freedom comes with growth, imagination, and passion. Jing-Mei is a developing girl
Amy Tan shows that there is more than one illustration when it comes to dreams. The American Dream doesn’t revolve around what we see it’s how we live happily. The main idea is the concept of freedom. Jing-Mei later gives recgonition to her mother when she noticed that if she didn’t try to follow her mother’s dream she wouldn’t know her dream. By accepting her old piano Jing-Mei takes the gift as a sign of forgiveness. The piano became something she treasured instead of despised. In her acceptance she notices her natural talent to play, but uses the piano as a lesson. After Suyuan passed away Jing-Mei reconditioned the piano for pure sentimental reason. Their differences are the plot twist that enlightens Jing-Mei and her perspective in living in peace. Jing-Mei lives her dream the way her mother wanted to live. In all actuality being happy and free is all that matters when it comes to an American