Assignment Question

For this reading response assignment, read the short stories “Pair of Tickets”, by Amy Tan and “Volar”. Your task is to analyze each of the designated texts. Pick two or more prompts from the prompt list below to guide you and write a one-page (about 350-400 words) response per story. Identify the prompt(s) you are responding to at the top of each page. Review the instructions and general rules before choosing prompts. 1. What do you think the author’s purpose is? Why did he/she write this particular story or poem or play (or even this specific scene)? 2. How does the title work with the text? Does it illuminate an idea, focus your attention on something specific, subvert your expectation? What was your assumption before you read the work, and how did your understanding change after reading? 3. What can you tell me about the theme of the work? (Remember that a general concept like “love” or “revenge” isn’t a theme on its own—what does the story/poem say about that general concept, and how?) 4. What is the overall tone (the quality of language) of the work? What sort of language does the author use, and how does it affect your reading? 5. What is the structure of the work, and how does that affect your reading experience? For example: Is it a comic? Is it a poem with a strict rhyme/meter scheme? Is it an entire story in which each word is tattooed on a different person? 6. What point of view is the author using, and what effect does that have on the work and your perception of it? (Note that POV is different from narrative voice.) 7. What is the narrative voice? Does it distance you or draw you in? What impact does it have on the story? (Note that narrative voice is different from POV.) 8. What kind of symbolic/figurative language does the author use? Is there a system in play? Does specific imagery apply to particular characters or situations? 9. Where is the work’s setting in time or place and how does the text use that setting? Is it vague or specific? Real or imaginary? Would the work have a similar impact if set in a different time or place? 10. How is the plot organized? Is it in chronological order? Is there a framing story? What impact does that have on your reading experience? 11. What character interested you, and why? For this prompt, include a line from the text that characterizes each, and label your character as protagonist/antagonist (if applicable), major/minor, flat/round, and static/dynamic. 12. Could you connect with any of the characters? Could you see yourself in one of the characters, even in a minor way? How did this affect your response to the text? 13. What motivations were at work in the text? What drove the characters to act as they did? 14. What was a key conflict in the text? Is it external or internal? How did that conflict determine character or influence actions in the plot? 15. Compare or contrast this text with a related text (either in class or outside). Be specific: How are they similar? How are they different? 16. Consider this text in terms of modern events.Does the text help you see the event in a new way? Or does the modern event color your reading of the text?

Answer

Introduction

The short stories “Pair of Tickets” by Amy Tan (Tan, 2017) and “Volar” by Judith Ortiz Cofer (Cofer, 2020) share common themes of identity, cultural heritage, and self-discovery. This paper will analyze these texts using various prompts to gain a deeper understanding of the author’s purpose, the significance of the titles, the themes, the narrative structure, and the characters’ motivations.

Author’s Purpose

Amy Tan’s purpose in “Pair of Tickets” appears to be to explore the concept of identity and the reconnection of the protagonist, Jing-mei, with her Chinese heritage. The story delves into her emotional journey, serving as a reflection of the author’s own experiences as a second-generation Chinese-American (Tan, 2017).

In “Volar,” Judith Ortiz Cofer’s purpose seems to be to shed light on the struggles and aspirations of immigrants, particularly the protagonist, who longs to escape her confined world (Cofer, 2020). Both authors use their works to convey powerful messages about identity and self-discovery.

The Significance of Titles

The title “Pair of Tickets” subtly reveals the story’s central theme of identity and heritage. It suggests a journey of self-discovery, much like the journey that Jing-mei embarks on as she connects with her Chinese roots. In contrast, the title “Volar,” which means “to fly” in Spanish, symbolizes the protagonist’s desire for freedom and escape from her cultural limitations.

Themes and Tone

Both stories touch on themes of cultural identity and self-acceptance. “Pair of Tickets” explores the clash of Chinese and American cultures through Jing-mei’s perspective, conveying a tone of nostalgia and self-discovery. In “Volar,” the theme of escaping cultural boundaries is prevalent, and the tone is one of longing and hope for a better future.

Narrative Structure

“Pair of Tickets” is a straightforward narrative with a first-person point of view. The story unfolds chronologically, tracing Jing-mei’s journey as she learns about her mother’s past. In “Volar,” the narrative structure is more abstract, with a blend of first-person and third-person perspectives, reflecting the protagonist’s inner and outer worlds.

Character Analysis

In “Pair of Tickets,” Jing-mei is a dynamic character who evolves from resistance to acceptance of her Chinese heritage. She initially dismisses her mother’s Chinese identity but later comes to embrace it (Tan, 2017). In contrast, “Volar” features a protagonist who is oppressed by her cultural circumstances and dreams of a better life (Cofer, 2020). These characters serve as symbols of the broader immigrant experience.

Motivations and Conflicts

In “Pair of Tickets,” Jing-mei’s motivation is to understand her mother’s past and connect with her Chinese heritage. Her internal conflict revolves around her own resistance to her roots, which she eventually overcomes. In “Volar,” the protagonist’s motivation is to escape the limitations imposed by her culture, highlighting the external conflict between her dreams and her reality.

Comparison with Other Texts

Both stories share similarities with other immigrant narratives, such as Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake” (Lahiri, 2017) and Junot Díaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” (Díaz, 2019). These texts collectively explore the complexities of cultural identity and the struggles faced by immigrants in adapting to a new world while preserving their heritage.

Modern Relevance

In the context of modern events, these stories continue to be relevant, as they mirror the experiences of countless immigrants and the ongoing discourse on identity and cultural diversity. They offer insights into the challenges faced by individuals navigating their cultural and ethnic identities in contemporary society.

Conclusion

“Pair of Tickets” and “Volar” are compelling short stories that delve into the themes of identity, cultural heritage, and self-discovery. Both authors, Amy Tan and Judith Ortiz Cofer, skillfully employ narrative techniques and character development to convey their messages. By examining these stories through the provided prompts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of immigrant experiences and the enduring relevance of these narratives in our modern world.

References

Cofer, J. O. (2020). Volar. In The Norton Introduction to Literature.

Díaz, J. (2019). The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Riverhead Books.

Lahiri, J. (2017). The Namesake. Mariner Books.

Tan, A. (2017). Pair of Tickets. In The Norton Introduction to Literature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are “Pair of Tickets” and “Volar” about?

• “Pair of Tickets” by Amy Tan and “Volar” by Judith Ortiz Cofer are short stories that delve into themes of cultural identity and self-discovery, particularly within the context of immigrant experiences.

2. What is the main focus of the analysis?

• The analysis primarily explores how these stories address the concepts of cultural identity, heritage, and self-discovery, shedding light on the challenges and aspirations of immigrants.

3. How do the authors convey their messages?

• Amy Tan and Judith Ortiz Cofer employ various narrative techniques, character development, and symbolic elements to convey their messages about cultural identity and self-acceptance.

4. What is the significance of the titles in these stories?

• The titles, “Pair of Tickets” and “Volar,” hold symbolic meanings that relate to the central themes of the narratives. They offer insights into the characters’ journeys and desires.

5. Are there any similar stories that address these themes?

• Yes, other stories such as Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake” and Junot Díaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” also explore similar themes of cultural identity and immigrant experiences.