Running Head Gumption: Two Kinds Analysis

Running Head Gumption Two Kinds Analysis 1gumption Two Kinds

In Amy Tan's "Two Kinds" and Russell Baker's "Gumption," mothers’ dreams for making their children perfect and children’s chosen path for success both represent how a conflict of interest can occur at the crossing of two different paths. Such conflicts can lead to the abandonment of ideals. Many mothers desire that their children surpass their own achievements in areas such as intelligence, success, financial stability, and effort. Parents strive to secure a better future for their children, often projecting their aspirations onto them.

Both stories illustrate how, when mothers feel unfulfilled or unable to realize their ambitions, they tend to impose their dreams and desires on their children. In Baker's "Gumption," his mother emphasizes the importance of gumption, believing that "The Lord helps those who help themselves." Baker, however, has a different ambition—his goal is to collect garbage, and his lack of gumption hinders him from obtaining conventional jobs. His aspiration to become a garbage collector reflects a desire to forge his own path, distinct from traditional success.

Similarly, Russell Baker’s mother envisions a successful son who works in an office and earns a stable income. She introduces him to the world of journalism, initially through selling magazines with little success, yet her persistence inspires him to persevere. She encourages him to develop self-confidence, ringing doorbells and selling magazines, which gradually instills a desire for success in Russell. Her efforts aim to pull him away from his father's humble working-class background towards a more prosperous future, reflecting her aspiration for upward mobility.

Despite her efforts, Russell's lack of innate salesmanship initially leads to failure, causing her frustration and disappointment. Her experiences highlight the sacrifices parents make, often living vicariously through their children’s achievements, hoping they will fulfill unaccomplished personal dreams. Her guidance serves as a lesson that persistence is key, and that failure should not deter one from trying again. Eventually, Russell becomes motivated to pursue writing, aligning more closely with his own interests, illustrating a shift from parental expectations toward self-realized ambitions.

"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan presents the complex relationship between a Chinese-American mother and her daughter, emphasizing the cultural conflicts rooted in differing notions of success. The mother believes her daughter must excel as a prodigy, pushing her into piano lessons and intellectual tests. The daughter, however, struggles with her identity and interest, resisting her mother’s efforts and feeling misunderstood. Her attempt to meet her mother’s expectations leads to internal conflict, ultimately revealing her desire for independence.

The story underscores how cultural values influence perceptions of success and the impact of parental pressure on children’s self-esteem. The daughter’s frustration culminates in a public failure during her piano recital, prompting her to assert her own identity by declaring, “You want me to be someone that I’m not.” This confrontation signifies her emotional emancipation and the acknowledgment of her individuality, contrasting with her mother’s aspirations.

The narrative highlights the different ways in which mothers and daughters perceive success—while the mother’s aspirations are driven by cultural expectations and personal dreams, the daughter seeks authenticity and freedom from imposed ambitions. The contrasting music pieces, "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented," symbolize her growth and the evolving relationship with her mother. These pieces, representing childhood and maturity, reflect her journey from obedience to independence.

Both stories demonstrate that parental ambitions often stem from a desire for their children’s success but can inadvertently cause tension and disappointment. Baker’s and Tan’s narratives reveal that children’s autonomy and self-awareness are essential for genuine fulfillment. Their mothers’ dreams, while well-intentioned, sometimes overshadow the children’s unique talents and desires, illustrating the importance of understanding and supporting individual paths.

Furthermore, these stories explore the broader theme of cultural and social expectations shaping family dynamics. Baker’s working-class background versus his aspirations, compared to Tan’s portrayal of Chinese-American immigrant experiences, exemplify how cultural identity influences perceptions of success and individual choice. Both authors emphasize that success is subjective, contingent on personal fulfillment rather than external validation.

In conclusion, Baker’s "Gumption" and Tan’s "Two Kinds" provide insightful perspectives on the parent-child relationship, highlighting conflicts arising from differing definitions of success and the tension between cultural expectations and personal ambitions. These stories underscore the importance of fostering individual talents and respecting children’s unique paths, emphasizing that true success lies in self-awareness and authenticity rather than societal or parental approval.

References

• Tan, A. (1989). Two Kinds. In The Joy Luck Club. Penguin Books.
• Baker, R. (2010). Gumption. In Russell Baker: An American Life. HarperCollins.
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