Review on “Two Kinds by Amy Tan” by Saanvi Kunisetty

 Review on “Two Kinds”

Saanvi Kunisetty

Throughout the story “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan, the narrator gradually pieces together her identity through several experiences and encounters. At first, Jing mei’s mother incessantly urges her to work toward becoming a prodigy, and Jing-mei obediently heeds that path, feeling that she “would soon become perfect...mother and father would adore [her]” (Tan 1). She continues to envision herself as a multitude of things- from suave ballerinas to winsome princesses. But as time trudges on, and countless attempts at various talents prove fruitless, Jing-mei starts to lose hope- that is, until she discerns an imperative part of her identity. That day, she tells herself “I won’t let her change me...I won’t be what I’m not” (Tan 2). While this revelation was key, Jing-mei still refuses to accept that she is talented- if only she would try. She repeatedly declares to her mother that she simply wasn’t meant to be a genius, and her mother responds with flagrant truth: “Who ask you to be genius? Only ask you be your best. For you sake” (Tan 2). Jing doesn’t realize the significance of her mother’s words at that time, but it still is a turning point in the development of the character’s story and identity. Her mother’s words further prove that it is not necessary to be a genius or a prodigy- what is important is to be the best version of you. The narrator continues through countless incidents with a note of disinterest until she finally quits piano- she herself can’t stand her chaotic piano-playing incident at the talent show. The wrestle between both her identities- the obedient Chinese child and the self-minded American one- has finally come to an end. Or so we think. Decades later, Jing’s mother returns the piano to Jing, and the narrator experiences a strange sensation of pride, “as if it were a shiny trophy that [she] had won back” (Tan 5). After her mother’s death, Jing-mei opens up her piano music, and the notes to the song “Pleading Child” come rushing back to her. As she plays, she unearths one final revelation: “Pleading Child” and another song titled “Perfectly Contented” “were two halves of the same song” (Tan 6). Similar to the two contrasting pieces that somehow fit together, Jing realizes that her identities can do the same- her varying identities are what make her her. Hence, the narrator of the story “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan progressively discovers her true identity through various enlightening experiences.