In the book, Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, in the chapter “Double Face” Lindo realizes how impossible it is to be both Chinese and American through a flashback. She hopes that through her story, Waverly will realize what Lindo is just beginning to understand herself.
As the chapter “Double Face” begins, Lindo and her daughter Waverly find themselves in a beauty parlor preparing for Waverly’s second wedding. As they are both looking at each other in the mirror comparing themselves, Lindo slips into a flashback. In her memories, she illustrates how she and her mother are doing exactly what Lindo and Waverly are doing at the present time. As they are comparing themselves, Lindo sees similarities in her mom as she does herself. Her mother says they …show more content…
Waverly’s characteristics are displayed through the type of woman she is and the impact she has on her mother and vice versa. In fact, Waverly’s opinion on the Chinese culture changes. As she grows older, she detaches herself from the Chinese ways and begins to embrace the American style of living. Now, as an adult, getting married for the second time, “...she wants to be Chinese, it is so fashionable” (253). This shows that Waverly is someone who changes their opinion based on style. On the other hand, she is now much more mature and seems to understand the world around her better which can be a factor as to why she has a renewed look on things. Lindo feels that it is her fault that her daughter regrets not being more Chinese, “And I know it is too late” (253). Lindo has come to terms that her daughter did not turn out the way she wished for- simply because the Chinese and American culture did not mix. In addition, Waverly even disregards her mother when she takes her to Mr. Rory at the beauty parlor. Waverly does not give her mother a glance, as she talks to Mr. Rory and tells him what her mother wants. Not only does Waverly make her mother’s decision for her, but also acts as if her mother does not apprehend what occurs around her. This causes Lindo to feel “I am ashamed she is ashamed” (255). Lindo depicts Waverly’s actions to be because Waverly felt ridiculed of her mother. On the contrary, Waverly’s actions show how she is looking out for Lindo and is doing what she feels like is best for her mother. In truth, Waverly does not always understand her mother and Lindo does not fully follow her daughter’s actions and words. For instance, when Lindo tells Waverly to finish her coffee instead of pouring it down the drain, Waverly responds with “Don’t be so old-fashioned, Ma” (253). To put another way, this illustrates the different outlooks the mother and daughter possess. Lindo
As the chapter “Double Face” begins, Lindo and her daughter Waverly find themselves in a beauty parlor preparing for Waverly’s second wedding. As they are both looking at each other in the mirror comparing themselves, Lindo slips into a flashback. In her memories, she illustrates how she and her mother are doing exactly what Lindo and Waverly are doing at the present time. As they are comparing themselves, Lindo sees similarities in her mom as she does herself. Her mother says they …show more content…
Waverly’s characteristics are displayed through the type of woman she is and the impact she has on her mother and vice versa. In fact, Waverly’s opinion on the Chinese culture changes. As she grows older, she detaches herself from the Chinese ways and begins to embrace the American style of living. Now, as an adult, getting married for the second time, “...she wants to be Chinese, it is so fashionable” (253). This shows that Waverly is someone who changes their opinion based on style. On the other hand, she is now much more mature and seems to understand the world around her better which can be a factor as to why she has a renewed look on things. Lindo feels that it is her fault that her daughter regrets not being more Chinese, “And I know it is too late” (253). Lindo has come to terms that her daughter did not turn out the way she wished for- simply because the Chinese and American culture did not mix. In addition, Waverly even disregards her mother when she takes her to Mr. Rory at the beauty parlor. Waverly does not give her mother a glance, as she talks to Mr. Rory and tells him what her mother wants. Not only does Waverly make her mother’s decision for her, but also acts as if her mother does not apprehend what occurs around her. This causes Lindo to feel “I am ashamed she is ashamed” (255). Lindo depicts Waverly’s actions to be because Waverly felt ridiculed of her mother. On the contrary, Waverly’s actions show how she is looking out for Lindo and is doing what she feels like is best for her mother. In truth, Waverly does not always understand her mother and Lindo does not fully follow her daughter’s actions and words. For instance, when Lindo tells Waverly to finish her coffee instead of pouring it down the drain, Waverly responds with “Don’t be so old-fashioned, Ma” (253). To put another way, this illustrates the different outlooks the mother and daughter possess. Lindo