Joy_Luck_Club

Amy Tan is a Chinese-American author who wrote a book based on stories of 4 families; the book basically narrates the tales of 4 Chinese women and their Chinese-American daughters. The book quickly became a best seller after its release in 1989 and later, it was successfully turned into a movie. This review will explore the author’s main theme and purpose in the selected text of the book from pages 41 to 61, and also encompass the main points raised, critically analysing the intentions of the author. In addition, the review will examine the social, historical and cultural elements outstanding in the text. Lastly, there will be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the style used by the writer in trying to accomplish her objectives. The story focuses on a confusing relationship between a mother and her daughter. The daughter June, feels an element of inadequacy as she tries to come to terms with the fact that she had to replace her mother as the fourth corner at the mah jong table (typical Chinese game). Throughout the story, the author seems to involve the reader that June felt she was a constant disappointment to her mother. Following her mother’s death June begins to recount her life and the influences that her mother had on her. June narrates her mother’s gloomy stories which were centred on surviving the hardships, pain and fear of death during the Japanese invasion of China. The idea of The Joy luck club was initially to escape from the pain and fear that surrounded her mother’s life in China. It is revealed in the story that when her mother fled from China to America she left behind two children from her previous marriage that were later traced and found in China. The author’s intentions were to draw attention to the difficulties faced in a mother and daughter relationship. Amy consistently highlights the strenuous relationship between June and her mother like on page 48 when June’s mother disproves suggestion her daughter looks like her. One could argue that this book is dedicated to mothers and daughters, in hindsight she is appears to be highlighting the generational dissimilarities which hinder family relationships. Amy seems to be indicating that mothers believe they are always right failing to acknowledge the differences and the influences of environment on their children. Furthermore, Amy also seems to be trying to reveal how the Japanese war affected the Chinese people in general. On page 47 the author wrote, “But later that day, the streets of Kweilin were strewn with newspapers reporting great Kuomintang victories, and on top of these papers, like fresh fish butcher, lay rows of people-men, women, and children who had never lost hope, but their lives instead”. It can be argued that the story of June’s mother in China highlights the tragedies and pain the Chinese endured. Although Amy’s story has different themes, she also explores the challenges faced by immigrants in finding an identity or when trying to integrate into the adopted societies. Arguably the characters portrayed by June and her mother, and their relationship could be an indirect attempt by the author to balance the Chinese and American cultures. Through out the text, the Amy uses poetry, shocking and inventive words, and at times clever humorous metaphors which keep the story enjoyable and easy to follow. This is evident on page 44 when June is recounting her mother’s story of when she initially came up with the idea of Joy’s club. The author wrote “I thought up Joy Luck on a summer night that was so hot even the moths fainted to the ground, their wings were so heavy with the damp heat”. This is an effective way of writing because it gives the reader the picture of how bad the conditions were and makes the story interesting. The older generation is portrayed as grief stricken who does not feel comfortable in the American culture, this made the story believable and credible because it is relatable for any society. The character of June is central in this text because she connects the different generations as she narrates the whole story. The author uses the character of June to highlight the issue of generational-gaps between old and young as both mothers and daughters are unable to communicate their precise thoughts and feelings to each other openly. The author illustrates how difficult it is for refugees when they move to foreign countries and try to preserve or pass on their traditional cultural values to their children. This is apparent on page 60 when June realises the fear in her Aunties that their daughters are losing connection with their Chinese roots. She also attempts to show the bond which can happen between a mother and daughter despite all the difficulties they may go through. The author does an outstanding job of discussing and illustrating the cultural Diasporas and conflicts in this outstanding piece of work. The Reference Tan A. 1989. Joy Luck Club book Pg 41-61. Amy Tan, A.T., 08/06/2009, A Conversation with Amy Tan by Lawrence Bridges [online] http://www.youtube.com/watch'v=0zuRO4M6D_Y last view on 01/04/11