Essay

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

Psyche-atricks?

In Amy Tan’s novel The Joy Luck Club, Rose Hsu Jordan is the American Translation of her mother An-Mei. Many people believe because two people live in to different countries means different character. Although know there are linguistic barriers and issues of not being able to express each other that does not mean they are truly that different.

In “Without Wood” Rose talks with An-mei on why Rose had to visit the psychiatrist. An-mei just wants to talk with her daughter one on one instead of her telling her woes to a complete stranger. “A mother is best. A mother knows what is inside you,” Rose thinks of An-mei as a nuisance and An-mei believes the western culture is very different and weird. She doesn’t really understand why Rose couldn’t have just talked to her to solve problems.

In “American Translation” there are many linguistic barriers that stop them from truly expressing their true feelings for each other. The translations of both Chinese and English words are not as strong when said directly. It’s hard to talk when they always need to have strangers help them out in understanding what they are saying. By looking at these two examples, it looks as if though Rose and An-Mei are different in almost every aspect.

Although there are these different traits Rose is still the American Translation of An-Mei. Both had very difficult lives growing up. Rose feels that she is responsible for her brother, Bing’s, death. While she was on a beach trip, she stop watching Bing for awhile and the next thing she knows, he has already drowned. She grows up with the burden of his death and therefore acts very negative about everything.

Like Rose, An-Mei also lived a difficult childhood. Her mother was a concubine of a man named Wu-Tsing so she had to live with grandmother, Popo. An-Mei was forbidden to talk about her mother at all until she forgot her. When Popo was ill her mother came back when she wasn’t supposed to and was shunned. As An-Mei screamed out for her mother a bowl of hot soup spilled on her neck which led into a deep scar. Her mother came back and cut her own flesh into the Popo’s soup, which was supposed to heal a dying family member. An-Mei remembers that scar and remembers the tough times in her life.

Although Rose and An-Mei both have differences they are ultimately similar and were born with depression. Their childhood is dark and thus difficult for them to bond together. An-Mei’s childhood is more related to Chinese culture while Rose is more american.

John First, you spelled to wrong. I think you were trying to say 'two'. ^_^ Also there are some grammar mistakes here and there. So make sure you read through your piece once more because the errors are basic grammar errors that I believe you can fix it by yourself. It was good that you used a variety of characters in the Rose family. Also do not forget to cite your book when you are using the quote. Finally, your conclusion is weak so improve it. Keunwha Song I'm glad your grammar and basic writing skills exceed John in numerous ways. However, you need to develop your ideas by providing evidence through quotes. You only have one quote. And it doesn't even have a page number. Do you think that will support your point? Oh, I think not, young man. Also, your body paragraphs are scattered all over the place. I mean, look at those zerglings! I understand that you are explaining one chapter per paragraph.. But do you think that works? Oh, I don't think so, young man. Combine your paragraphs so it would be much easier to understand your main points. Good job overall.

Andrew Lee First of all proof read is recommended, you will find many obvious mistakes and will make the essay flow more coherently. Your thesis is too general and cliché, it would be more intriguing to read if you supported with narrower focus and with a little more detail. There needs to be more quotes throughout the essay to prove your claim. You have one quote and you didn’t cite it. And I don’t think the conclusion necessarily links with thesis so check for consistency.