Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan - Essay Example

Amy Tan also demonstrates the power of culture and the need to be acceptable. She wanted a slim American nose, and she was embarrassed by her family's distinctively Chinese ways. This is because she grew up in America and had been immersed in its culture, and has come to believe, at least subconsciously, that the American way is the “correct” way. The essay provides us with an honest depiction of the author's youthful self. The story dwells on the ever-present clutch of cultural norms and the pressure of “acceptability”.

I felt invited to consider what the totality of her life was like back then when she so desired to be American and fit in, while the unfortunate truth was that she was trapped with her “unmannered” family, who became a source of embarrassment to her.

The Chinese idea of table manners is burping after a meal to show appreciation. “At the end of the meal, my father leaned back and belched loudly, thanking my mother for her fine cooking. “It's a polite Chinese custom to show you are satisfied,” explained my father to our astonished guests. The minister managed to muster up a quiet burp. I was stunned into silence the rest of the night.” This is totally at odds with the American idea of polite discreteness. She found that her favorite dishes were becoming a source of her embarrassment in front of Robert, particularly when her father “poked his chopsticks just below the fish eye and plucked out the soft meat. “Amy, your favorite,” he said, offering me the tender fish cheek. I wanted to disappear. “

We can imagine the story having been told in a frenzied and excited manner that reflects how Amy felt back then, but she is reflective and calm throughout the story. She looks back at these events and simply tells the story without implying that she still has leftover emotions from these episodes. She was embarrassed, but not anymore (a bit regretful perhaps?).

Amy tells us that she has learned from this experience. The reader is rewarded with a little moral and a little irony at the end. “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame.” her mother had told her.

Now Tan is perfectly honest about her family's “Chineseness,” which she used to perceive as shortcomings. We get the idea that she now has a more mature and accepting attitude toward her family. She now realizes that during that Christmas dinner, perhaps the only person who did not act honestly was herself. Read More