Literary Analysis of Joy Luck Club
A Different Take On Life People often become so accustomed to the lifestyle they live, that they do not put much thought into the different customs right under their nose. People as a whole, frequently become consumed in their own lives, forgetting that other ways of life do exist. China is one of the most populated countries in the world, yet many people do not know of their unique and interesting culture. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan displays the Chinese culture throughout the novel by telling different stories from both Chinese mothers and their American daughters. The destiny of a Chinese person, the traditions they have, and variety of lifestyles found in the country, are only part of what makes up the culture of China.
In America, horoscopes are often looked at for fun to see what a person’s day may have in store. Zodiac signs are not used often as they are in China, where one’s destiny may be effected because of their birth date. The Joy Luck Club mentions the Chinese Zodiac in many chapters of the novel. It is said that, “The Chinese lunar calendar is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2637 B.C. when the first cycle of the zodiac was introduced”(Meaning). According to the legend, “the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only twelve animals came to bid him farewell. As a reward he named a year after each one in the order that it arrived”(Meaning). The twelve animals were the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. In the novel, the zodiac signs of the mothers and daughters are stated and said to have a significant impact on their lives. This is shown especially between Waverly and her mother, Lindo. During an argument with her mother Waverly states,
Despite all the tension she places on herself-and others-the doctors have proclaimed that my mother has...the strength of a horse. And that’s
In America, horoscopes are often looked at for fun to see what a person’s day may have in store. Zodiac signs are not used often as they are in China, where one’s destiny may be effected because of their birth date. The Joy Luck Club mentions the Chinese Zodiac in many chapters of the novel. It is said that, “The Chinese lunar calendar is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2637 B.C. when the first cycle of the zodiac was introduced”(Meaning). According to the legend, “the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only twelve animals came to bid him farewell. As a reward he named a year after each one in the order that it arrived”(Meaning). The twelve animals were the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. In the novel, the zodiac signs of the mothers and daughters are stated and said to have a significant impact on their lives. This is shown especially between Waverly and her mother, Lindo. During an argument with her mother Waverly states,
Despite all the tension she places on herself-and others-the doctors have proclaimed that my mother has...the strength of a horse. And that’s
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