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During the formative years, individuals are profoundly shaped by the influence of their parents or guardians, who play a pivotal role in shaping their thoughts, emotions, and actions. This essay explores the dynamics of parental guidance in Amy Tan's 'Two Kinds' and Jamaica Kincaid's 'Girl,' shedding light on the expectations placed on young girls and the consequences of these expectations.
In Amy Tan's 'Two Kinds,' the narrative unfolds around a mother's fervent desire for her daughter to become a child prodigy.
The mother, driven by the belief that "you can be anything you want in America," places immense pressure on her daughter to excel in various domains, from beauty and dance to piano-playing and general knowledge. The mother's hopes are fueled by stories of exceptional children, leading her to harbor unrealistic expectations for her own daughter.
The daughter grapples with the weight of these expectations, feeling the burden of becoming the epitome of success in her mother's eyes.
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The mother's fixation on external achievements is evident as she compares her daughter to other children, fostering a sense of inadequacy in the young girl. The mother's mantra, "Only one kind of daughter can live in this house—obedient daughter!" underscores the authoritarian nature of her expectations, demanding unquestioning obedience as the path to fulfilling her aspirations.
As the daughter navigates through adolescence, she resents the pressure placed upon her. However, in a surprising turn of events, she eventually circles back to her mother's aspirations. Despite her initial resistance, she rediscovers the beauty of playing the piano as an adult, embodying the prodigious qualities her mother envisioned.
This cyclical journey raises poignant questions about the impact of parental expectations on the trajectory of a child's life.
Jamaica Kincaid's 'Girl' presents a contrasting yet equally compelling narrative of parental expectations. In this piece, an unnamed authority figure imparts a set of instructions to a girl, outlining the expectations of a "good" girl. Unlike the lofty ambitions in 'Two Kinds,' the expectations in 'Girl' are centered around traditional gender roles and societal norms.
The girl is tasked with a myriad of chores and is admonished to embody the qualities of a "lady." The authority figure's guidance is laced with the expectation of unquestioning obedience, suppressing the girl's natural inclination towards independence. The dichotomy between societal expectations and the girl's inherent free-will becomes evident as she grapples with conforming to a predetermined notion of femininity.
Moreover, the authority figure presents the girl with a binary choice – conform to societal norms or risk being labeled a "slut." This coercive approach leaves no room for negotiation, emphasizing the rigidity of the expectations imposed. Throughout the narrative, the girl resists these limitations, yet she too undergoes a transformative journey that brings her back to the very expectations she sought to defy.
Both narratives highlight the profound impact of parental expectations on the psyche of young individuals. In 'Two Kinds,' the daughter's struggle to meet unrealistic standards leads to a complex relationship with her mother. The constant comparisons to other children create a sense of worthlessness, pushing the daughter to resist conformity while simultaneously craving her mother's approval. This internal conflict speaks to the nuanced consequences of imposing unattainable expectations on children.
Similarly, in 'Girl,' the girl's resistance to conforming to societal expectations is met with the looming threat of being labeled a "slut." This fear-driven guidance shapes the girl's understanding of her identity and influences her choices. The coercive nature of the expectations perpetuates a cycle of rebellion and eventual acceptance, reflecting the intricate interplay between societal norms and individual agency.
As both narratives come full circle, with the adult versions of the girls embracing aspects of the expectations they once rejected, a profound commentary on the enduring influence of parental expectations emerges. Despite initial resistance, the daughters find themselves intertwined with the aspirations set by their authority figures, raising questions about the inevitability of succumbing to societal or familial expectations.
In conclusion, 'Two Kinds' and 'Girl' delve into the complexities of parental influence on the development of young individuals. Amy Tan and Jamaica Kincaid skillfully depict the consequences of imposing expectations on children, whether they be grandiose aspirations or traditional gender roles. The narratives underscore the lasting impact of parental guidance, shaping the trajectories of the protagonists despite their initial resistance.
These stories serve as poignant reminders of the delicate balance needed in guiding and nurturing young minds. While parental aspirations can inspire greatness, unrealistic expectations may lead to internal conflicts and feelings of inadequacy. The narratives encourage reflection on the role of authority figures in fostering a supportive environment that allows individuals to flourish without sacrificing their authentic selves.
Parental Influence in 'Two Kinds' and 'Girl'. (2016, Jun 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/paranting-issues-in-novels-two-kinds-and-girl-essay
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