Research Paper: English 103
Here is an opportunity to do some original research. The final draft of the essay, due the day of the final exam, runs 5 to 7 pages along with a Works Cited Page, all formatted according to MLA guidelines.
Instructions: Begin by selecting from our list of readings this semester one poem or story or piece of drama from our reading list that you would like to work with.
Then select your critical approach all of which are described near to the end of our text (see also the attached pdf covering Formalist/New Criticism, Biographical, Psychological, Reader-Response, Historical, Gender, and Cultural).
Submit to me by April 29th a well-written paragraph in which you identify the work you will be covering, your critical approach, and a discussion about WHY you have made this selection (note, this is not an interpretation but rather a discussion of the reasons behind the decisions you have made) – and I will respond.
From this point, submit steps as you are ready for me to see them. There is no set timetable with the exception of the final draft which is due same day as the final exam.
The next step is to devise a thesis statement for your paper. What will you be trying to prove? Usually the best way to approach this is to pose it as a question. What question would you like to answer in your paper? See if you can develop a three-part question. Then…
Develop a sentence outline in which you answer the question using textual support to add to the evidence. Think of the research paper as being composed of three essays (each 3 to 5 paragraphs) plus an introduction and conclusion. Thus, for your outline, try to come up with three answers to the question (thus I, II and III of your outline), and support each answer with your own reasoning and support from the text.
At the same time, proceed to do your research, looking for five to seven (minimum) sources (books, journal articles, reference guides) from which you can pull quotes to add further support to your outline. Whenever you quote from a secondary source, include within parentheses after the quote the last name and the page number of each source. Important: Avoid Wikipedia, Schmoop and other unreliable sources (which will be disallowed once you transfer to the university/state college). Stay focused on reliable, authoritative sources. Hint: Begin by consulting the web site devoted to your author. This is maintained by experts in your area and will offer links to many helpful sources. Also, our campus library has a wide collection of books and journal articles on each of the authors.
From here, I suggest you develop a rough draft (which I’ll be glad to look over if you desire) followed by a final draft of the paper. Be sure to follow MLA formatting guidelines throughout. If you need help with this, our college has a variety of sites available (see my earlier announcement). Or you may go to the Purdue University OWL web site for research papers.
My reason for selecting Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets”:
I’ve chosen to analyze Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets” from The Joy Luck Club using biographical criticism. This approach connects well with the story because Tan’s own experiences as a Chinese-American woman significantly shaped the narrative. Just like the main character, Jing-mei, Tan has had to navigate the complexities of having a dual heritage. The story mirrors parts of Tan’s life, like her relationships with her mother and her visits to China, similar to Jing-mei’s journey. By studying how Tan’s cultural background and family experiences influenced the story, I hope to find deeper insights into its exploration of cultural identity and family bonds. This approach allows us to see how Tan’s personal history makes the narrative more engaging and enhances themes like self-discovery and the impact of heritage on identity. I will also examine how Tan’s real-life experiences add emotional depth to Jing-mei’s character development, making the character’s changing views on her cultural roots more authentic. Biographical criticism provides a better understanding of how an author’s life not only affects their writing but also creates a more meaningful connection between the reader and the story’s themes. Through this lens, “A Pair of Tickets” becomes more than just a story about reconnecting with one’s culture. It becomes a reflection of Amy Tan’s own life and her intention as an author.
Here is my outline without evidence from online sources:
I. Introduction
A. Hook: “Once you are born Chinese, you cannot help but feel and think Chinese.”
Thesis Statement: This paper employs biographical criticism to analyze Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets,” showcasing how Tan’s personal experiences as a Chinese-American woman deeply influence the narrative, reflecting her dual heritage and family relationships. By examining the connections between Tan’s life and the journey of protagonist Jing-mei, this analysis delves into the significant impact of Tan’s cultural background and personal encounters on themes of self-discovery and the role heritage plays in shaping identity. This approach offers a deeper understanding of Jing-mei’s emotional growth and her genuine reconnection with her cultural roots, while also emphasizing how Tan’s personal history not only shapes her writing but also deepens the reader’s engagement with universal themes of identity and belonging.
B. Critical Approach: Biographical Criticism
-A biographical approach to literary criticism is about deepening our comprehension of a text by exploring the author’s personal history, influences, and experiences.
C. Why did I choose this work?
– I’ve chosen Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets” because of its heartfelt connection to dual heritage, cultural identity, and family relationships that deeply resonate with the common themes of self-discovery, reconnection, and reflection, offering material for a biographical criticism approach.
II. What similarities exist between Tan’s personal experiences of visiting China and Jing-mei’s journey in “A Pair of Tickets”?
A. Mother-Daughter Relationships
– “Cannot be helped,” my mother said when I was fifteen and had vigorously denied that I had any Chinese whatsoever below my skin.”
– The mother-daughter relationship symbolizes the challenging journey of accepting one’s cultural heritage, as Jing mei’s initial denial of her Chinese identity contrasts with her mother’s unwavering belief in their shared lineage.
B. Cultural Expectations and Familial Pressures
– “My mother had studied at a famous nursing school in Shanghai, and she said she knew all about genetics. So there was no doubt in her mind, whether I agreed or not: Once you are born Chinese, you cannot help but feel and think Chinese.”
– Cultural expectations and familial pressures are symbolized through the mother’s assertion that Jing-mei’s Chinese identity is inescapable; an unbreakable bond of heritage and the strength of cultural influence.
C. Reconciliation and Emotional Healing
– “I am thirty-six years old. My mother is dead and I am on a train, carrying with me her dreams of coming home. I am going to China.”
– “And now I also see what part of me is Chinese: It is so obvious. It is my family. It is in our blood. After all these years, it can finally be let go”
– Reconciliation and emotional healing are symbolized by Jing-mei’s journey to China, where she embraces her mother’s dreams and recognizes her Chinese heritage, finding closure and a profound connection to her family’s legacy.
III. How does Tan’s depiction of diaspora and the search for a sense of belonging in “A Pair of Tickets” reflect her own experiences as a Chinese-American writer?
A. Dual Cultural Heritage and Identity Formation
– “And I think, my mother was right. I am becoming Chinese.”
– “Someday you will see, “said my mother. “It’s in your blood, waiting to be let go.”
– Tan’s portrayal of dual cultural heritage and identity formation symbolizes the inevitable merging of Jing-mei’s American and Chinese identities, as she comes to accept that her cultural roots are an integral part of who she is.
B. Diaspora and Sense of Belonging
– “The minute our train leaves the Hong Kong border and enters Shenzhen, China, I feel different. I can feel the skin on my forehead tingling, my blood rushing through a new course, my bones aching with a familiar old pain. And I think, My mother was right. I am becoming Chinese.”
– “We are going to Guangzhou, my seventy-two-year-old father, Canning Woo, and I, where we will visit his aunt, whom he has not seen since he was ten years old. And I don’t know whether it’s the prospect of seeing his aunt or if it’s because he’s back in China, but now he looks like he’s a young boy, so innocent and happy I want to button his sweater and pat his head.”
– The depiction of diaspora and the search for a sense of belonging in “A Pair of Tickets” reflects the deep, intrinsic connection Jing-mei feels to her ancestral land, symbolizing the powerful draw of one’s heritage in shaping personal identity and providing a sense of home.
C. Literary Expression as a Tool for Cultural Dialogue
– “And it was only this year that someone found them and wrote with joyful news. A letter came from Shanghai, addressed to my mother. When I first heard about this, that they were alive, I imagined my identical twins transforming from little babies into six-year-old girls.”
– Through the revelation of her twin sister’s survival, Tan uses literary expression to symbolize the bridging of past and present, and how storytelling can serve as a means for cultural dialogue and reconciliation across generations.
IV. How does Jing-mei’s renewed understanding of her Chinese heritage in “A Pair of Tickets” reflect Amy Tan’s commitment to preserving the Chinese-American identity?
A. Cultural Rediscovery and Authentic Representation
– Jing-mei’s renewed understanding of her Chinese heritage symbolizes a profound cultural rediscovery, reflecting Amy Tan’s commitment to authentically representing the complex, multifaceted nature of Chinese-American identity.
B. Transcending Generations through Shared Experiences
– “I think about what my mother said, about activating my genes and becoming Chinese. And I wonder what she meant.”
– “My sisters and I stand, arms around each other, laughing and wiping the tears from each other’s eyes. The flash of the Polaroid goes off and my father hands me the snapshot. My sisters and I watch quietly together, eager to see what develops.”
– Jing-mei’s journey of reconnection with her sisters symbolizes the transcendence of generational boundaries through shared experiences, illustrating how the bonds of family and cultural heritage strengthen across time.
C. Resilience and the Preservation of Heritage
– “They were still sitting obediently near where your mother had left them, looking like little fairy queens waiting for their sedan to arrive.”
– “’ Ah.’ My father draws imaginary characters on the window. ‘One means ‘Spring Rain,’ the other ‘Spring Flower,’ he explains in English, ‘because they born in the spring, and of course rain come before flower, same order these girls are born. Your mother like a poet, don’t you think?’”
– “The gray-green surface changes to the bright colors of our three images, sharpening and deepening all at once. And although we don’t speak, I know we all see it: Together we look like our mother. Her same eyes, her same mouth, open in surprise to see, at last, her long-cherished wish.”
– Jing-mei’s family in “A Pair of Tickets” embodies resilience in preserving heritage, symbolizing the enduring influence of cultural legacy that continues to shape personal identity across generations.
V. Conclusion
Restate Thesis: Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets,” analyzed through biographical criticism, reveals Jing-mei’s emotional growth and genuine reconnection with her cultural roots, manifesting the heartfelt influence of Tan’s own experiences as a Chinese-American woman.
Relevance: By understanding Jing-mei’s transformative journey in “A Pair of Tickets,” we recognize the profound impact of embracing one’s cultural identity and heritage on personal growth. This awareness demonstrates the importance of reconnecting with our roots to foster deeper familial relationships and gain a meaningful understanding of our family’s past, essentially shaping a more authentic sense of self.
Online sources in mind:
(1) https://achievement.org/achiever/amy-tan/#interview
(2) Moving Forward to Reach the Past: The Dialogics of Time in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (Gale Literature)
(3) Negotiating the Geography of Mother-Daughter Relationships in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (Gale Literature)
(4) Tan, Amy 1952– Author: Stephen Soitos (Gale Literature)
(5) https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/travel/amy-tans-evolving-sense-of-china.html
(6) The Joy Luck Club (David Scott Diffrient)
(7) https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-12-vw-1218-story.html
Rough Draft:
Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets” explores the complexities of cultural identity and familial bonds, with the profound statement, “Once you are born Chinese, you cannot help but feel and think Chinese,” serving as the guiding theme. The story follows Jing-mei, a Chinese-American woman, on a journey to reconnect with her heritage as she grapples with understanding and accepting her dual heritage. Employing biographical criticism, this paper analyzes how Tan’s personal experiences as a Chinese-American woman shape the narrative. Jing-mei’s journey mirrors aspects of Tan’s own life, born in Oakland California, to Chinese immigrant parents. As Tan has also explored her dual identity and family relationships, her personal experiences offer invaluable insights into the character of Jing-mei. The connections between Tan’s life and Jing-mei’s journey deepen our comprehension of the story and emphasize the impact of Tan’s cultural background on themes of self-discovery and the role of heritage in shaping identity. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of Jing-mei’s growth, reconnection with her cultural roots, and the universal themes of identity and belonging. As Jing-mei travels to China to meet her long-lost sisters, she grapples with the weight of her mother’s expectations and the realization that her life has been deeply influenced by her Chinese heritage. Ultimately, by exploring the intricate ways in which an author’s life influences their work, our interpretation of the story is enriched, transforming “A Pair of Tickets” into a poignant exploration of heritage, identity, and the powerful bonds of family. Through this biographical lens, readers can appreciate the depth and nuance of Jing-mei’s journey, while gaining a deeper understanding of how personal experiences inform Tan’s storytelling.
II. What similarities exist between Tan’s personal experiences of visiting China and Jing-mei’s journey in “A Pair of Tickets”?
Amy Tan’s personal journey to China, like Jing-mei’s in “A Pair of Tickets,” is deeply entwined with the complicated dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. Tan’s mother’s influence on her understanding of her Chinese heritage is imitated in the narrative when Jing-mei reflects on her mother’s teachings, she remembers, “Cannot be helped,” my mother said when I was fifteen and had vigorously denied that I had any Chinese whatsoever below my skin.” This quote explains the tension between Jing-mei’s American identity and her mother’s insistence on their Chinese roots. Similarly, Tan’s own relationship with her mother was fraught with challenges, particularly regarding cultural identity. Tan, like Jing-mei, struggled with the duality of being Chinese-American, often feeling disconnected from her Chinese heritage. Her mother’s unwavering belief in their shared lineage, much like Jing-mei’s mother, symbolizes the persistent cultural bond that traverses generations. The mother-daughter relationship in the story also points to the generational conflict and the eventual acceptance of cultural identity. Jing-mei’s initial denial of her Chinese identity contrasts intensely with her mother’s steadfast belief in it. This dynamic reflects an eclectic theme of generational differences in understanding and accepting one’s heritage. Tan’s experiences reverberate this sentiment as she negotiated her own cultural identity, influenced by her mother’s ties to their Chinese ancestry. The eventual acceptance and reconciliation of this identity are focal in both Tan’s life and Jing-mei’s journey, symbolizing the resolution of internal and external conflicts regarding cultural heritage.
Equally, cultural expectations and familial pressures are central to both Tan’s experiences and Jing-mei’s story. Tan’s narrative often touches on the pressures imposed by her family’s expectations, which are rooted in traditional Chinese values. In “A Pair of Tickets,” Jing-mei’s mother embodies these cultural expectations through her firm belief in the inescapability of their Chinese identity. “My mother had studied at a famous nursing school in Shanghai, and she said she knew all about genetics. So there was no doubt in her mind, whether I agreed or not: Once you are born Chinese, you cannot help but feel and think Chinese.” This assertion emphasizes the strength of cultural influence and the sense of inevitability associated with one’s heritage. These pressures and expectations are not only about cultural identity but also about fulfilling familial duties and honoring one’s ancestors. Tan’s personal reflections often reveal the weight of these expectations, which she had to helm alongside her desire for individual autonomy. Jing-mei’s journey to China, driven by her mother’s dreams and expectations, mirrors Tan’s own travels to her ancestral homeland, where she sought to understand and reconcile with her heritage. The unbreakable bond of heritage and the strength of cultural influence are foremost to both narratives, intensifying the deep-rooted connection to one’s sociocultural foundations.
Moving towards reconciliation and emotional healing in both Tan’s life and Jing-mei’s journey comes a significant moment of conciliation with her mother’s past and her own identity. Through the introspection of Jing-mei, in Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets,” we gain insight into her journey as she expresses, “I am thirty-six years old. My mother is dead and I am on a train, carrying with me her dreams of coming home. I am going to China.” This trip symbolizes a reunion of the past and serves as a means to embrace her ancestral roots. For Tan, visiting China allowed her to connect with her mother’s past and gain a deeper understanding of her own identity, much like Jing-mei’s experience. The process of embracing her Chinese heritage provides Jing-mei with a sense of closure and belonging. Reflecting on her journey, she poignantly shares, “And now I also see what part of me is Chinese: It is so obvious. It is my family. It is in our blood. After all these years, it can finally be let go.” This realization signifies a profound emotional healing, as Jing-mei finally acknowledges and accepts her cultural roots. Tan’s personal experiences reflect a similar journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, where understanding her mother’s past and embracing her heritage brought emotional healing. Bringing the similarities between Amy Tan’s personal experiences and Jing-mei’s journey in “A Pair of Tickets” gives prominence to the intricate connections between cultural identity, familial expectations, and emotional reconciliation. Both existing narratives travel over the challenges and remunerations of accepting one’s heritage, strengthening the importance of cultural roots; reconciling cultural identity resonates with individuals who manage dual identities and generational differences.
III. How does Tan’s depiction of diaspora and the search for a sense of belonging in “A Pair of Tickets” reflect her own experiences as a Chinese-American writer?
Amy Tan’s portrayal of dual cultural heritage and identity formation in “A Pair of Tickets” mirrors her own journey as a Chinese-American writer grappling with her bicultural identity. Through Jing-mei’s experiences, Tan explores the profound realization of one’s heritage, as evidenced by the moment Jing-mei acknowledges, “And I think my mother was right. I am becoming Chinese.” This line signifies a pivotal shift in Jing-mei’s self-perception, where her Chinese heritage, once distant and abstract, becomes an intrinsic part of her identity. This acceptance is a crucial theme in Tan’s narrative, reflecting her reconciliation with her Chinese roots amidst an American upbringing. Tan’s depiction of Jing-mei’s transformation is deeply entwined with the notion that cultural identity is not static but evolves with personal growth and understanding. Jing-mei’s mother’s prophetic words, “Someday you will see, it’s in your blood, waiting to be let go,” culminate the inevitable emergence of one’s cultural heritage. This statement summarizes the internal struggle and eventual acceptance that Tan herself may have experienced as she navigated her dual identity (tumultuous times). By portraying Jing-mei’s journey, Tan represents the blending of her American and Chinese identities, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and embracing one’s cultural roots. Furthermore, Tan’s narrative suggests that identity formation is a continuous process influenced by familial and cultural connections. Jing-mei’s realization that her cultural heritage is an integral part of who she is reflects Tan’s understanding of her own identity. This dual heritage, while initially a source of conflict, ultimately becomes a source of strength and self-awareness for both Jing-mei and Tan. By intertwining personal and cultural identity, Tan spotlights the importance of embracing one’s heritage as a vital component of self-discovery and personal growth.
Building upon the themes of dual heritage and identity formation, the concept of diaspora and the pursuit of a sense of belonging become central in the narrative. The moment Jing-mei’s train crosses the Hong Kong border into Shenzhen, Jing-mei describes a visceral reaction: “I feel different. I can feel the skin on my forehead tingling, my blood rushing through a new course, my bones aching with a familiar old pain.” This vivid description captures the profound, almost physical connection Jing-mei feels to her ancestral land. A connection that symbolizes the powerful draw of one’s heritage in shaping personal identity and providing a sense of belonging, a theme that resonates with the experiences of many in the diaspora, including Tan. Tan additionally accentuates the deeply ingrained influence of revisiting one’s lineage through the representation of Jing-mei’s father, Canning Woo. His transformation upon returning to China, where he appears “like he’s a young boy, so innocent and happy,” illuminates the emotional and psychological ties that bind individuals to their homeland. This scene also spotlights the notion that a sense of belonging transcends physical presence and is deeply rooted in cultural and familial connections. [Tan’s characterization of this transformation reflects her appreciation/understanding of the complexities and emotional resonance tied to diaspora and the desire/longing for a place that feels like home. In continuation, the narrative reveals that the pursuit of belonging entails coming to terms with one’s past and heritage. Jing-mei’s journey to China epitomizes a broader search for identity and self-awareness, which is particularly evident in Tan’s story, “A Pair of Tickets.” By depicting the powerful emotional responses of her characters, Tan captures the essence of the diaspora experience, where the search for belonging is not just about finding a place but also about reconnecting with one’s cultural and familial history. This analysis of diaspora and identity repeatedly accentuates the universal human desire for a sense of belonging and emphasizes the role of heritage in molding one’s identity.
Tan employs literary expression in “A Pair of Tickets” as a means to facilitate cultural dialogue and bridge generational gaps. The revelation of Jing-mei’s twin sisters’ survival and the subsequent reunion symbolize the merging of past and present. This narrative approach emphasizes the role of storytelling in upholding cultural heritage and nurturing understanding across different age groups. Reconnecting with her long-lost sisters, she [Tan] conveys the profound impact of this reunion through Jing-mei’s emotional response upon learning about her siblings, writing, “And it was only this year that someone found them and wrote with joyful news. A letter came from Shanghai, addressed to my mother. When I first heard about this, that they were alive, I imagined my identical twins transforming from little babies into six-year-old girls.” This moment of disclosure evidences the potency of narrative in linking disparate aspects of one’s identity and personal history. Through the twin sisters’ story, Tan emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and reconciliation. The letter from Shanghai serves as a bridge between Jing-mei’s American present and her Chinese past, illustrating how narrative can connect individuals across time and space. This connection is reflective of Tan’s utilization of literature to investigate and communicate her bicultural experiences; linking personal and cultural accounts into the narrative creates a milieu for discussion and comprehension, both within her (Tan’s) characters and for her audience. Moreover, Tan’s exploration of literary expression as a means of cultural dialogue is also evident in the way Jing-mei processes her identity. The act of imagining her twin sisters growing up in China allows Jing-mei to integrate her fragmented sense of self. This imaginative reconstruction symbolizes the broader process of cultural reconciliation that Tan herself engages in through her writing. By using literary expression to explore themes of diaspora and belonging, Tan not only tells her own story but also creates a platform for others to reflect on their cultural identities. This approach has the transformative power of literature in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s heritage. [As a final thought on the topic of literary expression as a tool for cultural dialogue, Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets” is a touching probe into diaspora, identity, and belonging. Through Jing-mei’s journey, Tan iterates her encounters as a Chinese-American author, addressing dual cultural roots and the pursuit for a sense of home. Illuminating the complexities of the diaspora experience and the ways in which our heritage shapes who we are.]
IV. How does Jing-mei’s renewed understanding of her Chinese heritage in “A Pair of Tickets” reflect Amy Tan’s commitment to preserving the Chinese-American identity?
Jing-mei’s renewed understanding of her Chinese heritage in “A Pair of Tickets” symbolizes a profound cultural rediscovery, reflecting Amy Tan’s commitment to authentically representing the complex, multifaceted nature of Chinese-American identity. Throughout the narrative, Jing-mei’s journey to China becomes a metaphor for her internal journey towards self-discovery. Tan illustrates this through Jing-mei’s interactions with her relatives and her observations of Chinese culture, which reveal layers of her identity previously obscured by her American upbringing. This rediscovery is not just personal but emblematic of the broader Chinese-American experience, where identity is often a confluence of disparate cultural influences. [Tan’s delineation of Jing-mei’s cultural rediscovery is nuanced and profoundly intimate, drawing attention to the struggles and successes of reuniting one’s ancestry.] This process is depicted as both an emotional and intellectual awakening, [stressing the importance of understanding one’s family history to fully embrace/appreciate one’s self-identity.] Through Jing-mei’s experiences, Tan emphasizes that cultural heritage is not a static relic of the past but a dynamic and living part of one’s present and future. [This genuine portrayal stands as evidence of Tan’s commitment to depicting the genuine nature of the Chinese-American journey.] The authenticity of Tan’s narrative is further enhanced by her use of detailed descriptions and intimate familial moments that resonate with the reader. Jing-mei’s initial reluctance and subsequent embrace of her heritage mirror the ambivalence felt by many Chinese-Americans who grapple with the duality of their identity. By chronicling Jing-mei’s journey, Tan not only preserves the cultural heritage of Chinese-Americans, but also validates the complex emotions associated with this dual identity.
The narrative of “A Pair of Tickets” illustrates how shared experiences can transcend generational boundaries, strengthening familial bonds and cultural heritage. This is poignantly captured in the scene where Jing-mei reflects on her mother’s words, “I think about what my mother said, about activating my genes and becoming Chinese. And I wonder what she meant.” This moment signifies Jing-mei’s growing awareness of the deep, intrinsic connection to her heritage that transcends mere cultural practices. It is a profound realization that her identity is not something she can choose to ignore, but rather, it is an integral part of who she is. The reunion with her sisters further embodies this theme of transcending generations. As Jing-mei and her sisters stand together, “arms around each other, laughing and wiping the tears from each other’s eyes,” the scene brings the unspoken bond and shared history that unite them. The snapshot taken by their father serves as a [physical manifestation] of their reconnection, capturing the essence of their collective identity. This moment emphasizes how shared experiences and familial bonds can bridge the gap between generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage. Tan’s narrative similarly suggests that the act of reconnecting with one’s heritage is not just a personal journey but a collective experience that involves family and community. [Jing-mei’s journey, portrayed by Tan in the context of her relationship with her sisters and parents, has the idea that cultural identity is preserved and strengthened through shared experiences and generational continuity.] [This perpetual aspect of cultural tradition becomes a central theme in “A Pair of Tickets,” showcasing Tan’s commitment to presenting the transcendent nature of Chinese-American identity.]
Jing-mei’s family in “A Pair of Tickets” embodies resilience in preserving heritage, symbolizing the enduring influence of cultural legacy that continues to shape personal identity across generations. The resilience is captured in moments such as the one where Jing-mei’s father explains the meaning behind her sisters’ names: “One means ‘Spring Rain,’ the other ‘Spring Flower,’ he explains in English, ‘because they born in the spring, and of course rain come before flower, same order these girls are born. Your mother like a poet, don’t you think?’” This explanation is not merely about names; it is a reflection of cultural significance and the poetic nature of heritage passed down through generations. The final scene, where Jing-mei observes the Polaroid developing, embodies the culmination of her journey towards understanding and embracing her heritage: “The gray-green surface changes to the bright colors of our three images, sharpening and deepening all at once. And although we don’t speak, I know we all see it: Together we look like our mother. Her same eyes, her same mouth, open in surprise to see, at last, her long-cherished wish.” This imagery manifests the full circle of Jing-mei’s cultural rediscovery, symbolizing her mother’s enduring influence and the preservation of heritage through family. Tan’s depiction of resilience is not just about the preservation of cultural practices, but also about the enduring spirit of the characters who strive to maintain their identity amidst the challenges of a bicultural existence. Through Jing-mei’s story, Tan illustrates that preserving heritage requires strength and resilience, qualities that are deeply ingrained in the characters’ identities. This resilience and tenacity is compelling to the enduring nature of cultural legacy with its profound impact on personal identity, ultimately fortifying Tan’s commitment to upholding and venerating the Chinese-American.
V. Conclusion
I want to let you know that I’d really love to have my essay completely rewritten. But if you think the rough draft is a good starting point, feel free to use it and make any changes you see fit.
Keep the same outline and thesis statement.
Thank you.
