Simulation

Draw a connection between at least three different stories from our families' histories (you can include your own project, or not). What pattern or theme can you find running through these three? What does the connection reveal to you?


Family history is essential. Learning about the experiences past generations faced gives perspective to the younger generations. In addition, realizing the connections and patterns between others stories and history, symbolizes simulation and equal, traditional experiences as a whole.


Here is Andy Lau’s Family History:
My mom described how their family had to go to the local public shower rooms that were created for people who did not have showers or toilets in their houses. She described these as dirty and filthy places that she hated going to. Instead, my mom knew a friend who had a bathroom in their house with running water. She would go shower and use the restroom of one of her friends who was wealthy and had numerous bathrooms in their house. She said that she was very lucky and her parents and sister envied her because she got to shower in a clean and safe place.


Camal Saleh’s Fam History:
Growing up in one of the poorest Arab countries in the world, life in Yemen was not easy. My parents both grew up in the same village located a little more than a hundred miles south of the capital, Sana’a. Not a lot of money flowed in and out of this area so the income level was real low.


Grizzel Escobar:
My mom side of the family had very little money. My mom’s parents worked day and night at the market trying to sell fishes, so that there is enough food for everyone in the table. (Just imagine, having ten children and just having the right amount of money to feed and make them attend public school. Is a lot to handle.) The money was enough for every one's food, for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Including the some of money to pay going to the education of my aunts and uncles.


All these excerpts connect in a special way: poverty and low income. I can easily visualize that education and other resources were a challenge for their family as well. While reading each of their blog post, near the end of them, they all were glad and greatly appreciated their parents diligence and patience. Furthermore, each of the stories i read, have different cultures and backgrounds and its kind-of neat to see how although we are from contrasting areas, we still have similar relations and thoughts.

周期性事件

Prompt: The Joy Luck Club is a cyclical in many important ways. Identify and explain the purpose of any cyclical elements of the novel.

Parents are an important factor in a child’s life- the mishaps and achievements that occur in a child’s life is shared with their parents. Many parents always want to portray their love in a variety of different ways- hugs, jokes, stores, gifts, etc. Therefore, the relationship between the parents and their children is a significant fortune to cherish.

While reading the Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, I have realized that they are several repetitions in every section- they have similar incidents and cyclical events that occur. In addition, many of the mothers share a common gift they give to their daughter- jewelry/gifts- this shows the love and kinship they have with their daughters. Also, they attachment and the will to not let their children forget about them.

In the Red Candle, written from Lindo Jong’s perspective, she discusses when her daughter, Waverly Jong, was leaving her home and moving into her Husband house. Her mother was really sad and wanted her to act kindly and to respect them. Lindo Jong states:

“But he [her father] could not stop my mother from giving me her chang, a necklace made out of a tablet of red jade. When she put it on my neck, she acted stern, so I knew she was very sad,” (53-54).

The red jade symbolizes the connection both, Waverly Jong and her mother have together. She gave her the necklace to remind her where she came from and what her mother told her to do: “‘Obey your family’. ‘Do not disgrace us, act happy when you arrive’.” She wanted Waverly to keep the families reputation high. Although she did not want to live there, she still had to respect her parents and make them proud. The red jade always reminded her about why she was there in the first place.

Another example is in A Pair of Tickets, written from Jing-Mei Woo’s perspective. This talks about when her mother left her two other children on the curb in china during the invasion of the Japanese. She could not hold them any longer and wanted someone to take them. In addition, she gives gifts to her children. She states:

“She tore open the lining of her dress and stuffed jewelry under the shirt of one baby and money under the other,” (282).

The jewelry and other gifts, in this case, were to help the people taking her children to have some supplies to work with. On the other hand, the jewelry, was for the children- she wanted them to remember her and to see who her biological family was, when “she reached into her pocket and drew out the photos of her family, the picture of her father and mother, the pictures of her self and her husband on their wedding day,”. She wanted her children to know their true identity ad where they initially came from- and, hopefully, came back to their rightful family. The jewelry and other gifts symbolize love, remembrance, and care.

Overall, the cyclical events where shown from the jewelry and gifts the mothers gave to their offspring’s.

P.S – Here are a few more quotes they prove my premise (I was too last to write about them, though):

From Half & Half: “And she opened her fist. In her palm was a ring of watery blue sapphire, a gift from her mother, who had died many years before,” (129).

From Best Quality: “She grabbed my hand and put a necklace in my palm, then shut my fingers around it, “(208).

Story-telling isn't Their thing?

The past is an essential ingredient to the present. Without history, people would not be able to track their own family history or perceive the challenges and distinctive occurrences that their own family exhibited.  But stories are unacknowledged in my household. Every time my siblings or I ask about my parent’s life experiences or significant affairs, their reply is: “Go away,” “Nothing,” or, “Clean-up.” They completely disregard the fact that we asked a question.

This  relates to The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, because the daughters ( Jing-mei Woo, Rose Hsu Jordan, Waverly Jong, and Lena St. Clair) do not know how much their mothers went through- it is intense (especially Rose Hsu Jordan’s mother- Magpies). The mothers (Suyuan Woo, An-mei Hsu, Lindo Jong, and Ying-ying St.Clair) have been through so much that the children will never know their life-changing experience because one, they never ask, and two, they do not necessarily care about their parents history.

Many of the daughters in the novel have some relation to my experiences, but the one who portrays myself most closely is Waverly Jong. This is because in “Rules of Game,” her mom, Lindo Jong, forces her to play chess exceptionally- which means not to lose any competitions- to be perfect. In addition, she has to practice for ridiculous hours:

“I no longer played in the alley of Waverly Place. I never visited the playground where the pigeons and old men gathered. I went directly to school, the directly home to learn new chess secrets, cleverly concealed advantages, more escape routes… my mother had an habit of standing over me while I potted out my games. I think she thought I was her protective ally, (pg. 98).

Waverly Jong’s life changes soon after her mom sees that she actually has a talent. Although Waverly sacrifices playing in the alley of Waverly Place and visiting the pigeons and the old men, her mother neglects her blissfulness to concentrate on the imperative: chess. Lindo Jong’s central motivation to why she enforces her daughter to simultaneously apply practice and success in her life is to obtain glory and satisfaction. She uses these components to notify her friends how successful her daughter is and how Waverly Jong has fostered loads of  talent in comparison to her friends children- this makes the other mothers implement more study and rigorous labor on top on their children- its like a competition. Their children’s contentment is ignored by their mothers.

My life experiences relate to Waverly Jong’s occurrences since I turned thirteen. Since then, I saw why certain people had to do selective things based on their appearances. I had to begin praying five-times-a-day, fast, and wear particular kinds of clothing at specific area- I viewed the world with different identities and manners. Furthermore, my parents required me to memorize and read the Holy Quran fluently-regardless of my inadequate skills. They obligate of conditions that I am not able to follow. My parents do not understand the work load I encounter at school and other extra curricula’s. Gratitude and open-mindedness does not exist for my parents. I have to secretly fulfill my goals and desires-it is a tough price to pay. However, I am still attempting to realize my own ambitions and my parent’s requirements without risking one for the other- but I recognize which one I take seriously. Accordingly, my parents depreciate the lack of practices I complete and enforce my so-called chores (memorization of the Quran), in different ways so that it is the only thing I can do.

Additionally, the above quote also relates to when my extended family members visit and their Arabic skills are exceptionally better then mine; my parents began to feel jealous, and when they leave, they begin criticizing me, assuming that it makes the situation better; however, the result is that  I do not work as diligently. Likewise, the confidence my parents have about me, contagiously feed into me, - is low. My parents do not cooperate in with me to resolve my challenges, and because of this, I try to strengthen my own, individual strength to perform, well.  For that reason, my capabilities are worthy and virtuous- I just need my parent’s mutual aid.

Similarly, the novel connects to my situation because my parents try to exert too much influence to keep their children from becoming too Americanized. They brought us to America and they still want to maintain the traditional aspects of their live back home (Eritrea) - this will never happen. We live in America, and in America, there is an array of people, places, and thought- it is not like other countries, where there is dominance in culture and religion. Therefore, we do not have choice but to adsorb the diversity and wellbeing of the nation.

In the third section: “Four Directions”- Waverly Jong converses about her admirable skill, chess. She won all her competitions and has loads of shinny gold trophies. But, in this chapter, she realizes how much her mom actually cares about her (Waverly’s) individual achievements:

“And for my mother loved to show me off, like one of many trophies she polished. She used to discuss my games as if she had devised the strategies,” (170).

This continues the idea that Waverly’s mom did not adore her daughter as an individual, but of what she gave out to the world- her skills. The mother-daughter relationship shown here is neither intimate nor delicate. The only element that actually drives their relationship is chess.

Likewise, my relationship with my parents is justly similar. The Quran, prayers, and other Islamic requirements is what practically pull us together. If these elements were valid, I honestly do not know we would have a relationship- its kind-of depressing; I know.

I have realized that connecting with Family history is also an essential quality and esteem to acquire because of the how sealed a household family can renovate into. For instance, many of my identifiable acquaintances inform their parents about their everyday existence- boys, school, faults, to broken-hearts- this demonstrates the kinship between the parents and the children. They are amid a great amount of comfort and wellbeing that they have they the strength to orally communicate their thoughts without a borderline.

Not having the capability to empathize and value my parent’s history is sad. To obtain family history is remarkable, and the aftermath always goes on- which is humbling.

When my parents reveal their history to us, I will cherish the stories and forever adore their adventures (mishaps and fortune). By doing so, the connections between my parents, siblings, and I will improve.

可怜的关系

Questions: What similarities and differences do you notice between Amy Chua's relationship with her kids and the mother-daughter relationship we see in 'The Twenty-Six Malignant Gates'? Do you think the Amy Tan's novel endorses Chua's argument about motherhood?

Relationships with family members are usually about love and the health of individuals, but sometimes, family reputations are an essential part of family quality, which disrupts the purpose of family.

While reading the article called “Why Chinese Parents Superior,” I was able to see the connections between Amy Chua's ideologies and Amy Tan’s novel, The Joy Luck Club.

In Amy Chua’s article, she discusses simply how Chinese styles of conducting their children are clearly more clever and efficient then Westerners. In addition, she also explains how the performances of their child allows parents the to brag. Amy Chua states:

The Chinese parent believes that their child will be strong enough to take the shaming and to improve from it. (And when Chinese kids do excel, there is plenty of ego-inflating parental praise lavished in the privacy of the home.) (Par.14).

This demonstrates that love between Chinese parents and their children is insignificant- the parents only adore their skills, and the only reason why they be fond of their skill is because they created it. The parents are proud of their hard work, and display their Childs skills to their peers- this usually causes other parents to push their children even more. Though the child may not resemble the same affection as their parents, they have to continue the skill to make their parents happy and allow brag all day long- that potentially gives off a lot of pressure to do well.

This relates to The Joy Luck Club because in the third section: “Four Directions”- Waverly Jong converses about her admirable skill, chess. She won all her competitions and has loads of shinny gold trophies. But, in this chapter, she realizes how much her mom actually cares about her (Waverly’s) individual achievements:

“And for my mother loved to show me off, like one of many trophies she polished. She used to discuss my games as if she had devised the strategies,” (170).

This continues the idea that Waverly’s mom did not adore her daughter as an individual, but of what she gave out to the world- her skills. The mother-daughter relationship shown here is not intimate and delicate. The only element that actually drives their relationship is chess.

Overall, Amy Chua and Amy Tan’s ideas connect distinctively. The live of Chinese children: love is distant; love is unseen; study is present, and reputation is vital. This the life of Chinese children. As a result, Amy Tan’s argument definitely endorses Chua’s argument about motherhood.  Although Chinese parents assume they are playing the right actions, they will regret their actions later on. 

連接

Question: What is Amy Tan’s purpose behind the introduction to the second section? What thematic elements, characterization, or plot foreshadowing connect it to the stories that follow, particularly “Rules of the Game” and “Voice from the War”?

First and foremost, the introductory piece of the second section implies that the American- raised child cannot ride her bicycle around the corner because she would undergo an accident when she is not insight her mother. The mother explains that a book titled The Twenty-six Malignant Gates, particulars the dangers that can transpire her child when she is away from the protection of her home. Her daughter cannot read the book because it is written in Chinese, and her mother would not tell her the danger. The daughter became anger, and quickly rushes away on her bicycle. And before you know it, she falls just before she reaches the corner.

The introductory relates to both, “Rules of the Game” and “The Voice of the Walls”

In “Rules of the Game” told by Waverly Jong, relates to the introduction when Jong’s mother tells her daughter to follow what she says although it did not make sense, “As she [Waverly] wiped each piece with a soft cloth, she [her mother] said,

“Next time win more, lose less.” Waverly says, “Ma, it’s not about how many pieces you lose…sometimes you need to lose pieces to get ahead.” [Her mother] says, “Better to lose less, see if you really need,” (97).

This demonstrates that although Waverly’s explanation was clearly valid, her mother knew what she said was accurate. The mothers comment relates to introductory piece because she entails that if Waverly does not follow her direction, then she would lose. Also, her mother does not provide an explicit explanation why she wants her to “win more, [and] lose less”. Similarly to the introduction where her mother informs her daughter about The Twenty-six Malignant Gates, but does not present what the book specifically illustrates. Furthermore, these events also relate to a typical American mother saying: Do what I say, or else.

Another story that relates to the introduction is “The Voice of the Walls”, told by Lena St. Clair. Lena’s mother is very cautious. She worry’s about everything, which make her awkwardly dissimilar. When Lena and her mother where together, her mother quickly said,

“ ‘Don’t look at her,’ said her mother as we walked through Chinatown in Oakland.  She had grabbed my hand and pulled me close to her body,” (105).

This proves that Lena’s mother is very cautions. When them mother grabbed her hand and pulled Lena close to her body, it demonstrates affection, but also a significant amount of protection. Accordingly, this also relates to the introduction. When the mother says, “because then I cannot see and you will fall down and cry and I will not hear you,” (87) illustrates that her mother is jumping to conclusion. It appears that her mother gives the impression that if she is not watching her daughter, then it is her fault that she got hurt. And to prevent this to develop, she tells her daughter to listen to her, otherwise she would cause dangers, and her mother would blame herself (hope this is clear).

In view this, “Rules of the Game” and “ The Voice of the Walls” provide explicit examples that relate to the introduction.