Comparison between Two Genres Essay A fundamental aspect of the human experience is belonging. That aspect can be explored in artwork, history, and literature. Belonging has to do with the connections we have in our lives, whether that be culture, heritage, society, friends, and family. Two books that dive into the essence of belonging are “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan and “Broken Chain” by Gary Soto. We step into the lives of two different but ordinary children trying to belong in these two stories. While both books touch on the topic of belonging, both approach it from different angles. The first book “Fish Cheeks” is a real-life story about the author, Amy Tan’s experience with fitting into American culture while simultaneously being proud of…show more content… What would Robert think of our shabby Chinese Christmas?” (Fish Cheeks pg. 1. Amy Tan. The reason she is sad is because Amy is embarrassed of her Chinese culture compared to Roberts's American one. Additionally, she didn't want to disappoint her crush by having a Chinese Christmas dinner instead of the classic American one. Deep down inside Amy wanted to be like everyone else and even wished that she could become ” American”. ” “I fell in love with the minister’s son the winter I turned fourteen. He was not Chinese, but as white as Mary in the manger. For Christmas, I prayed for this blonde-haired boy, Robert, and a slim new American nose.”( Fish Cheeks pg. 1. Amy Tan) When the dinner starts she ignores the pastor's son because she is embarrassed about how the dinner will go. She believes her relatives are noisy and sloppy during the dinner, and Robert is disgusted by the menu. “My relatives murmured with pleasure when my mother brought out the whole steamed fish. Robert grimaced. Then my father poked his chopsticks just below the fisheye and plucked out the soft meat. “Amy, your favorite,” he said, offering me the tender fish…show more content… This is a sign of respect in Chinese culture, but it is considered rude and gross in Western culture. the pastor tries to be kind and respectful by making a tiny burp, but everyone is stunned in silence. Even though Amy Tan describes the food as weird and unappetizing, it is later revealed that all of the food at the dinner was Amy Tan's favorite food. Her mother talks to her afterwards, telling her that she should be proud of her heritage and culture and even gifts her a miniskirt. In the end, Amy learns to be proud of her culture while also fitting in with American culture. Alfonso is a 7th grader who is self-conscious about his appearance.” Alfonso had pretended not to hear his father and had gone to his room, where he studied his hair from all angles in the mirror. He liked what he saw until he smiled and realized for the first time that his teeth were crooked, like a pile of wrecked cars. He grew depressed and turned away from the mirror.” (Broken Chain pg.1 Gary Soto) His aspiration in life is to become popular and 'become' handsome. We can see this by him trying to work out to get abs and push his teeth in hopes of them becoming
