The Character Growth of Jing-Mei, as displayed in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds".
Throughout the course of any story, there are many various literary elements implemented within the plot, to ultimately provide greater appeal towards its audience. One of the most significant elements used in literature to provide a far better literary experience to readers, is that of character and growth. Character growth, specifically the growth and development of the protagonist or main character, proves to be a key element in the plot of Amy Tan's excerpt, "Two Kinds." Jing-Mei, the protagonist of the story, undergoes significant growth, change, and overall character development throughout the course of the plot, resulting in triumph over her own, personal journey of self discovery.
Early in her childhood, Amy Tan's character, Jing-Mei, dreamed of being a famous Chinese-American, mainly due to her mother's views and actions placed upon her. Upon arriving in America, Jing-Mei's mother had an extremely idealistic view of being successful in America and believed that " you could be anything you wanted to be in America." (Tan p.) Consequently, she placed this utopian view upon her daughter often referring to her child as a "genius" and "prodigy." Jing-Mei's mother even went so far as to model her daughter's physical appearance after that of a popular All-American child-star at the time, Shirley Temple. Night after night, Jing-Mei would be tested by her mother in hopes of discovering her sea of talent, resulting in her much sought after fame.
Later on in childhood, Jing-Mei found herself struggling in her mother's desperate attempt at exposing her daughter's inner genius. She often failed in her mother's attempts at stimulating her mathematical, memory, and overall academic prowess, through routine, mundane tests. Also, in her mother's final and most desperate attempt at unveiling Jing-Mei's talents, she provides her with regular piano lessons.
