Essay+Notes


 * American Translation**

//In what way is a daughter the “American Translation” of her mother? Choose a mother/ daughter pair and discuss.//

__Ying-Ying & Lena__ Similar: Pessimistic, has mental issue? Different: Lena changes as she grows up; she sees the world more realistic.

__Suyuan and Jing-Mei__ Similar: Both feel strong belonging to their country, China. Different: Suyuan seems very well organized, and has a clear goal. Jing-Mei does not know what she wants to do.

__An-mei and Rose__ Similar: Both were cheated by someone. Different: Rose becomes weak and starts to fall apart as Ted gets another girl.

__Lindo and Waverly__ Similar: They are both arrogant and competitive. If they believe in something, they do it. Different: Waverly later becomes soft, very weak-minded, and loses herself, becomes a total different person..


 * American Dream**

//Pick at least one mother-daughter pair, and examine to what degree each has fulfilled the American Dream. How does the importance and/or definition of the American Dream change between generations?//

__Definition__ American Dream =having happier life, making no regrets, more money,

__Ying-Ying & Lena__ Similar: Both wants stability. Ying-Ying came to America to find "hope" Lena faces many different cultures. She is not a "good" teenager. She wants to understand her mother; she wants peace.

__Suyuan and Jing-Mei__ Suyuan wants to accomplish something. Jing-Mei wants to find her place before doing anything.

__An-mei and Rose__ Similar: Both were cheated by someone. An-mei wants to find what is best for Rose. She does not want her daughter, Rose to face any conflict and become crestfallen. Rose wants to become stronger.

__Lindo and Waverly__ Lindo wants to become best at something; she wants her daughter to be champion at something. Waverly wants freedom from her mother. She wants to have her own way.