Hunger By Lan Samantha Chang (Page 39-76)

SUMMARY:
Min and her mom were separated when she moved to New York and her mom stayed in Taiwan. They usually talk on the phone and about their lives, but Min's mom passed away. Tian wanted Anna to take after his passion for music. He will train her to play the violin. Anna just didn't seem to have what it takes to play the violin. She can't tell which note is which. Tian and Anna weren't close at all, except when they shared an interest in playing the violin. When Ruth was born, Min noticed that Ruth looked exactly like Tian. Tian grew closer to Ruth more than anything. He trained her to play the violin, and it seemed like she was gifted. Ruth got her way with everything she does. Tian never said no to her but when it came to playing the violin, he was th boss. He trained Ruth day and night for long hours. Ruth would cry and whin to stop but all he said was to yell at her and say she can't stop no matter what.
Years later, when both girls grew up and Anna went off to college, Min, Tian and Ruth didn't get along. Ruth was competing and performing with her violin. Once when she performed, Tian's old collegue's found her talented and wanted her to join them. Tian refused to let her train with thm because he knew all they want to do is say they discovered Ruth and her passion for the violin. Ruth got mad and wanted to be independent. Tian was becoming like another person that Min secretly doesn't remember. Ruth told Tian that he can't tell her what to do. This is when everything went down hill.
QUOTE:
"You cry! But-play! One, two, and-three-one, two, and-three-and Save your bow! Save your bow!" (Chang 59).
REACTION:
So far this novella semonstrated how Asian families can be. Min and Tian were immigrants that tried to make a living in New York. The struggle with everything because they were both limited in talking in Engish. It was hard for them to communicate with other people, especially their daughters. Min had a harder time, when she talks to her daughters, she wanted to say so much but she doesn't know how. Anna and Ruth both adopted American culture and talked mainly in English. They didnt know much Mandarin so there weren't many conversation.
The quote above is when Tian was training Ruth to play the violin. Even though this is a novella, consisting fake stories, it's true in some cases. Majority of Asian families will force their son/daughter to do something "talented". Either get straight A's, play music, play sports, etc... Tian forces Ruth to play when she's tired and really don't want to. This brings back to one thing I am greatful to, which is what my dad said. I was jokinh around with him saying I don't have any talent, I can't do anything like other kids can. He told me how some were forced to create the "talent" they have. Some kids don't even like what they do, he said he wanted me to choose what I want to do. He said if I want to learn to dance, sing, play instruments etc...he would support me. He doesn't think putting pressure llike Tian did on Ruth is a good way to teach children.