What Type Of Conflict Occurs In The Passage Two Kinds

The Multifaceted Conflicts in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds"

Amy Tan's poignant short story, "Two Kinds," explores the complex and deeply layered conflicts between a mother and daughter. While the narrative centers on the clash between Jing-mei and her mother's expectations, a closer examination reveals a tapestry of internal and external conflicts woven throughout the story, each contributing to the rich emotional texture of the piece. This essay will delve into the various types of conflict present in "Two Kinds," analyzing their impact on the characters and the overall meaning of the story.

Person vs. Person: The Central Conflict

The most prominent conflict in "Two Kinds" is the person vs. person conflict between Jing-mei and her mother. This conflict stems from their fundamentally different perspectives on life, success, and identity. The mother, shaped by the hardships of her past and fueled by the American Dream, relentlessly pushes Jing-mei to become a prodigy – a child with exceptional talent. She believes that by harnessing Jing-mei's potential, she can secure a better future for her daughter, compensating for the opportunities she herself missed. This belief, however, clashes with Jing-mei's own desires and self-perception.

The Clash of Cultures and Expectations:

This person vs. person conflict is deeply intertwined with cultural differences. The mother, having emigrated from China, brings with her a strong sense of cultural obligation and a belief in the power of hard work and discipline. Jing-mei, however, is growing up in a vastly different American context, where individualism and self-expression are prioritized. This clash of cultures forms a significant obstacle to their relationship, creating misunderstandings and escalating their conflict. The mother’s relentless pursuit of a specific type of “success” – the exceptional child prodigy – fails to account for Jing-mei's own unique talents and aspirations.

The Power Struggle:

The conflict also manifests as a power struggle. The mother's attempts to mold Jing-mei into her vision of success represent a bid for control over her daughter's life. Jing-mei, in turn, resists this control, rebelling against her mother's expectations. This power struggle is evident throughout the story, from the piano lessons to the constant pressure to excel academically. Jing-mei's eventual rebellion, symbolized by her refusal to play the piano, is a crucial turning point in this power dynamic. It demonstrates her defiance against her mother’s domineering influence and her struggle for autonomy.

Person vs. Self: Internal Conflicts and Self-Discovery

Beyond the external conflict with her mother, Jing-mei also grapples with significant person vs. self conflicts. These internal struggles are pivotal in shaping her character development and ultimately resolving the central conflict.

The Struggle for Identity:

Jing-mei's internal conflict largely revolves around her search for identity. Her mother's constant comparisons to other children, her relentless pursuit of talent, and her overarching expectations create confusion and self-doubt within Jing-mei. She struggles to reconcile her mother's expectations with her own sense of self. This internal struggle is what fuels her rebellion and ultimately leads her to question her mother's motives and her own potential. The story powerfully illustrates the struggle to find one's place, especially when caught between two cultures and conflicting desires.

Guilt and Regret:

Jing-mei's internal conflict also involves feelings of guilt and regret. After her disastrous piano performance, she feels responsible for disappointing her mother. This guilt manifests in her avoidance of the piano and her strained relationship with her mother. This feeling of guilt is a testament to her deep love and respect for her mother, despite their disagreements. Later, as she reflects on her past, Jing-mei acknowledges the depth of her mother’s sacrifice and her own role in their conflict, leading to a significant emotional shift.

The Acceptance of Limitations:

Another significant aspect of Jing-mei's internal conflict is her acceptance of her limitations. She realizes that she may not be the prodigy her mother envisioned. This realization is not a defeat but rather a crucial step toward self-acceptance and understanding. She acknowledges that she is not defined solely by her achievements or her talents. This self-acceptance ultimately frees her from the burden of her mother's expectations and allows her to forge her own path.

Person vs. Society: Implicit Societal Pressures

While less explicitly stated, the story also subtly incorporates a person vs. society conflict. The pressures faced by immigrants in America, the expectations placed on Asian Americans, and the inherent societal biases towards certain types of success all contribute to the overall narrative tension.

The American Dream's Promise and Pitfalls:

The story implicitly addresses the complexities of the American Dream. The mother's relentless pursuit of a better life for her daughter underscores the appeal and allure of the American Dream but also highlights its potential pitfalls. The pressure to conform to certain standards of success, the struggle to assimilate, and the challenges faced by immigrants are all subtly reflected in the narrative.

Cultural Expectations and Identity:

Jing-mei's struggles are also rooted in the broader societal expectations faced by many Asian Americans. The pressure to excel academically, to conform to certain cultural expectations, and to balance one's heritage with American identity contributes to her internal conflicts and the tension in her relationship with her mother. This societal pressure adds another layer of complexity to the story and shows how individuals are affected by broader cultural and societal forces.

Resolution and the Complexity of Relationships

The resolution of the conflicts in "Two Kinds" is not a simple happy ending. Instead, it involves a gradual understanding and acceptance of both sides of the conflict. Jing-mei acknowledges her mother's sacrifices and the depth of her love, while her mother, in turn, seems to subtly recognize the limits of her control and the importance of letting Jing-mei find her own way. This nuanced understanding creates a more realistic and emotionally resonant ending, highlighting the enduring complexity of mother-daughter relationships.

The story's open ending invites the reader to consider the lasting impact of the conflicts on both characters and the potential for future reconciliation and understanding. While the explicit conflicts may not be fully resolved, the internal shifts within Jing-mei suggest a path towards personal growth and self-acceptance. The final act of her playing the piano for herself, years after her failed performance, signifies a personal victory and a step toward healing and a more mature understanding of her relationship with her mother and her own identity.

Conclusion: The Richness of Conflict in "Two Kinds"

"Two Kinds" is a powerful and moving story precisely because of its intricate web of conflicts. The interplay between person vs. person, person vs. self, and the implicit person vs. society conflicts creates a rich and layered narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The story's lasting impact lies in its exploration of universal themes of family, identity, cultural differences, and the complexities of human relationships. By examining these diverse conflicts, Tan offers a profound and unforgettable portrait of a mother and daughter struggling to understand each other, and themselves, in the face of powerful personal and societal forces. The story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of conflict in shaping our identities and relationships.