culture clash
The two short stories, "The Tenant" by Mukherjee and "The Red Sweater" by Ng bear many similarities as well as differences. The authors of these two stories go about conveying basically the same message, however, with a slight variety. In these short stories, Mukherjee and Ng go into detail of the lives of two young women struggling with their identities as immigrants in the American culture. This clashing of cultures, predominantly the Asian culture (in these cases), against the American culture, is the central idea that one may conclude after reading these two short stories. Mukherjee and Ng both share or differ in the three literary elements of plot, theme, and characters in portraying the consequences of this culture clash. Plot is a literary element necessary in any short story, and is one given in "The Tenant". The protagonist of the story is the main and central character, Maya. The story is told in third person and much of the focus is centered on her. The antagonist of the story could also be said to be Maya herself. Exposition is told throughout the story. Bits and pieces of Maya's past relationships, i.e. husband, men, and father, are shown at a glance here and there. However, much is s
In "The Red Sweater", Ng uses the youngest sister's relations with her parents to communicate this message or theme. She wants to get away from the Chinese culture, i.e. her parents ways, however, is not able too. She is found imitating her father when ordering drinks at the restaurant. "My scotch tastes good. It reminds me of Deh. Johnny Walker or Seagrams 7, that's what they served at Chinese banquets" 237. She is not able to forget the memories of her past and constantly throughout the story recollects them with her sister. They had gone to an American restaurant to eat, however, had a longing to go to a Chinese one. "Maybe we should have gone to Sun Hung Heung. At least the vegetables are real." 238. She had bought her sister a red sweater to make her happy, letting her be free of the Chinese culture for a short while, but gives her one made in Hong Kong. Constantly showing the departure of the Chinese culture is not capable. Ng's use of this character as a literary element is similar, however, once again is not completely equal. The protagonist, the youngest sister of "The Red Sweater", is too said to be a round character. There is much more that the reader does not know, but by the authors use of "telling" her actions (her wants), she is a much more "motivated" and "consistent" character. Unlike Maya, this character is much more dynamic. One can say that she has "undergone some kind of change" 101. She realizes in the end that her conflict is a puzzle unable to be solved. Character is a major element exhibited in both short stories and is one also necessary to help portray this culture battle. In "The Tenant", Maya could be said to be a round character. We as a reader are puzzled by her actions, the relationships she explores, her motivation behind wanting to be in one culture, but not being able to succeed in it. She is a static character because she does not change. She is constantly going between cultures and even though in the end goes with the Asian man, exclaims that, "it will not
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1369
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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