Elizabeth Wong illustrates the progression of her childhood as she dealt with the desire to be an "All American Girl," while she was truly Chinese. She and her brother were strongly intent on learning the English language, however, her mother did not want them to forget their Chinese heritage. As Wong tells of her dislikeness of going to Chinese School she describes the Chinese culture that was displayed in the school mixed with the old, schoolhouse aroma that she could hardly bare compared to the American schools' smells. As the narrative continues, Wong is hoping to connect with America because she wants to be American herself. However, even though she is eventually set free from Chinese school and dismissed into American life she realizes she is still truly Chinese. She always will be no matter how much she prefers American life to Chinese life.
What amazes me is that Wong's family was so intense and determined to learn the English language. Many times, we as Americans take the freedoms and liberites that we have in the United States for granted. We do not realize how bad other people from distant countries want to come to America and live as we do. Cleary, Wong and her brother, especially, wanted to experience the American life and knew that to do so they would have to learn the English language. It became a huge priority in their daily life.
No comments:
Post a Comment