Both books are about Chinese-American culture, but different in may ways. ... Her other two books, The Kitchen God's Wife and The Hundred Secret Senses, have also appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and all her works have been translated into many different languages. ... Her novels could relate to lots of Chinese-American people. I n order to write a "true" story in a novel, she would take lots of time to explore Chinese history in China, especially around the time her mother would have lived as a young women. Her books are not intended to characterize traditional Chine...

• Word Count: 927
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Tan knew her mother could express herself very well in her native tongue, but was ashamed of her translation of it. ... This involves her looking down upon her mother because she still carries a very heavy Chinese accent that is part of Tan's Chinese heritage. ... But unfortunately, if we as humans cannot effectively communicate our thoughts and feelings we are looked down upon, even if it is just because of a loss of meaning in the translation from native tongue or even a cultural communication difference, these labels reflect how we view ourselves and how other people perceive us....

• Word Count: 1419
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Have you ever had been in a situation where you had to translate for your family member so another peer could understand? ... With her Mother from China, English is not the first language spoken. ... I had to translate for my mother saying that she is asking where to exit. ...

• Word Count: 938
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Clair was one of those daughters; half Chinese and half English-Irish. ... This is first seen Ying-ying's baby dies, but Lena's father not understanding what Ying-ying is saying turns towards Lena to translate: "How could I tell him she was crazy? So this is why I translated for him; "She says we must all think very hard about having another baby. ...

• Word Count: 918
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Identity, the combination of distinct personality traits one portrays, making them unique. If a person is unaware of their identity though, how can they be expected to appreciate their way of life? The Color Purple and The Joy Luck Club portray a similar theme, because female main characters experience personal misfortunes and male/female relationships which ultimately lead to the discovery of their true identity. One of the main characters, Celie, in The Color Purple experiences many personal misfortunes which eventually lead to the discovery of her true identity. The first instance o...

• Word Count: 3758
• Approx Pages: 15
• Grade Level: High School