Literary Analysis: The Oracles and American Born Chinese

Rosa Bui

Professor Talusan

English 2: Asian American Experience

17 May 2007

Literary Analysis

While completely different in style and technique, the Oracles and American Born Chinese present strikingly similar protagonists and their character developments. Both characters face an identity crisis, traveling on a journey of similar internal conflicts. Essentially, both works convey the same theme of self-acceptance. However, the authors, Pati Poblete and Gene Yang, employ many different literary techniques to achieve this. Ultimately, Yang succeeds in creating a greater effect on readers. The reader is surprised and struck by the realization of the futility in morphing and transfiguring oneself, whether internally or externally, into someone one is not. Yang’s twisted comic, humor, subtle details, and overall creativity better emphasize this point and impact his audience.

In the Oracles, Pati struggles with the Oracles’ expectations and influences. She finds her life in America complicated and disrupted upon the arrival of her peculiar grandparents. Not only does Grandma Fausta expect her to behave and take on responsibilities like her cousins back in the Philippines, she, along with the other Oracles, attempt to preserve their distant culture, values, and traditions by imposing them on Pati. Manually washing clothes and marching in the traditional Filipino beauty parade constitutes only two of the many agonizing experiences of her childhood, living with four emigrant grandparents. Not only does she feel trapped in a life where her wants and needs were not fulfilled, she also feels like “the last crab in the barrel…pickled in a jar of anchovy broth. [Her] grandparents had preserved [her] in their own little cocoon of folklore and old tradition. They had kept [her] a little girl…while everyone else had grown up…[She] felt the need to catch up- and fast” (Poblete 82). Her justification is that she “continued to wear their clothes and eat their food so that the last bit of the country they left behind would not be taken away from them” not acknowledging that she must also preserve this tradition and culture for herself. Pati just wants to live her “American” life, finding everything that other “normal” kids did not do, a painful experience. Pati accounts for this aversion towards her culture saying, “‘I was being raised in white suburbia, at a time when ethnic pride wasn’t exactly hip. What’s worse, my parents were trying just as hard as I was to fit in…also dealing with their own issues of self-identification and assimilation…My dad was a young executive at Blue Cross and my mom was an account executive at a bank. They wanted to blend in with their all-American co-workers and neighbors, not stand out as the Asian immigrant family. I can’t fault them for that because I was in the same boat. My grandparents...didn’t have to adjust to a new culture, I did… The problem was that I was the only minority in my school at the time. It didn’t matter if I talked like them or dressed like them, I was the weird one at school. The freak. The “other”. My grandparents made that fact even clearer to me when they arrived. I was different, and there was nothing I could do about it. Yes, I was bitter and I was filled with self-hate. I resented them even more for serving as reminders of this difference between me and everyone else’” (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog).

In American Born Chinese, the protagonist Jin Wang harbors so much shame in being Chinese, that he repels Wei-Chen, his cousin Chin-kee, and even revels in his transformation into “Danny”. He resents Wei-Chen and Chin-kee because they represent the very things he hates about himself. They not only embody stereotypical Asian physical features but also Asian attitudes and behaviors. When Wei-Chen first arrived, the first thing Jin thought was “‘Something made me want to beat him up’” (Yang 36). Moreover, when Melanie, his crush, asserts that she just wants to remain as friends he immediately claims “‘I’m not like [Chin-kee]….I’m nothing like him! I don’t even know how we’re related!’” (Yang 101). Even when Melanie explains that it is simply a matter of not jeopardizing their friendship, Jin is convinced that his Asian cousin is the reason. When Wei-Chen reaches out to Jin saying “‘We’re brothers, Jin. We’re blood’” (Yang 190). Jin responds “‘You have got to be kidding. You and I are not alike. We’re nothing alike…Maybe I think she can do better than a F.O.B. like you’” (Yang 191). The thought of being a “F.O.B.” scares Jin because it implies that someone does not belong in the greater community. The inability, to fully assimilate and be seen and treated as more than just an outsider who came from a little boat, terrifies him. To Chin-kee, he says “‘I’m sick of you ruining my life, Chin-kee! I want you to pack up and go back to where you came from!” (Yang 205). Living in a predominantly Caucasian surrounding, Jin can not come to accept his identity as an Asian. His confusion prevents him from approaching his crush; it also drives him to change his straight Asian hair into a more Caucasian style, making him look much like a “‘broccoli’” (Yang 99). Later on, he agrees to discontinue seeing Amelia simply because Greg told him to. The inability to embrace his ethnicity is the source of many of his insecurities.

Therefore, both protagonists travel similar journeys. Their tragic flaws are their reluctance to grasp and cherish their cultural identity. They both begin as insecure characters, questioning their ethnicity and repeatedly attempting in every way to escape the culture which haunts them. Pati experiments with many things such as drugs and sex against her family’s disproval. Jin shuns people he sees himself in and hides under the façade of Danny. But ultimately, both become round characters because of their final epiphanies. In the end, Pati realizes how the Oracles have become guides, “passing [their] ‘life skills’ onto [her]” (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog) and helping her appreciate her own culture and identity. She learned much from them which led to “the richness of [her] childhood…and the discover[ing] of [her] roots” (Poblete 122). On the other hand, Jin learns that being oneself is how one will find genuine happiness.

Pati Poblete, narrator, author, and protagonist, relates her internal conflicts through memoir writing. She writes in first person, revealing all her personal thoughts and feelings, whether it is frustration, relief, excitement, or sadness. Although the point of view is third person limited, her internal struggles, experiences, and journey are especially highlighted through her voice and retelling of her own story. She perfectly captures the significant times throughout her life. Reading the memoir truly felt as if Pati herself is present and retelling her story as in a conversation. Compared to an autobiography, this memoir easily stimulates attention and sympathy.

Additionally, Poblete is able to use setting, imagery, plot development, conflict, characterization, foreshadowing, flashback, and irony to her advantage. The imagery, her description of settings, and plot development are personal yet vivid as if the events had just occurred yesterday. Many instances exist where Poblete foreshadows events or leaves a cliff hanger. One is that of her Grandma Patricia’s practice of voodoo on Pati’s mother. Her use of monologues as an introduction to each of her characters and through her own voice, Pati develops her own character as well as each of her family members. Moreover, the inclusion of her present thoughts and feelings as well as those in retrospect, simultaneously add more definition to her character development and therefore her theme of self-acceptance as a strength and source of growth (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog).

Gene Yang chooses a completely different method of conveying his theme. American Born Chinese is a comic, full of graphics, boxes, and bold words. By creating this comic, Yang is able to employ a variety of techniques, both literary and non-literary. The graphics, including the boxes and texts, convey many ideas, actions, emotions, and events. They also symbolize, mirror, parallel, and emphasize certain main points and occurrences. Additionally, the colorful pictures capture and hold readers’ attention, entertaining them with humor and art. Therefore, American Born Chinese stands more vivid than Poblete’s descriptive words. Even a reviewer claims “True to its origin as a Web comic, this story’s clear, concise lines and expert coloring are deceptively simple yet expressive. Even when Yang slips in an occasional Chinese ideogram or myth, the sentiments he’s depicting need no translation. Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you’ll already have reached out to others” (Publisher’s Weekly). Another reviewer says, “Yang’s crisp line drawings, linear panel arrangement, and muted colors provide a strong visual complement to the textual narrative” (Library Journal).

“Graphic novels that focus on nonwhite characters are exceedingly rare in American comics” (Library Journal). Most importantly, his comic is fiction while the Oracles is nonfiction. This allows Yang many opportunities to strengthen his theme to his own liking. He uses allusions to a well-known Chinese myth, personification, anthropomorphism, direct dialogue, and dramatic irony. He is able to exaggerate and create things to better deliver his theme whereas Poblete is confined to telling the truth as it is. For example, Yang can easily create and name characters such as Chin-kee to reinforce his emphasis on stereotypes. His fake Chinese accent, “ ‘Rong time no see! Chin-kee happy as ginger root pranted in nutritious manure of well-bred ox!’” (Yang 49) also contributes to the stereotypes that Jin desperately wants to dissociate from himself. His manipulation of time frame also works effectively in that it indirectly symbolizes the persistence of the problem of ethnic identity crisis and self-acceptance. Fiction allows Yang to defy time and connect an ancient and modern story. By combining both stories, Yang reinforces his point in both the major and minor character. He is able to employ juxtaposition because both the Monkey King and Jin are foils, struggling to accept their true forms or selves and suffering as a result. In the end, both revert to their original selves, proving the foolishness in trying to alter one’s true identity. Yang’s ability to create his own plot and fantastic events such as Jin transforming into Danny strongly contribute to his message of self-identity. It is also easier for Yang than for Poblete to utilize symbolism. One symbol in the comic, for instance, is the transformer toy, which represents Jin’s desire to completely morph himself into something “greater”. It reappears as Wei-Chen’s parting gift from his father which “ ‘transforms from monkey to humanoid form. Let it remind you of who you are’” (Yang 217). Also, although both works have a light humorous tone, Yang is able to have a lighter tone and therefore more powerfully highlights the serious underlying issue.

Although some may say Poblete’s the Oracles, leaves a greater effect on the readers because it retells a true and realistic experience, this resulting effect is outshined by the effect resulting from the creativity and twist of Yang’s American Born Chinese. Because everything seems disconnected, American Born Chinese’s ending is more powerful when all the themes, characters, and conflicts merge. The theme becomes an epiphany to the reader as all the comic’s elements converge. “Their stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics” (Library Journal). In the Oracles, the build-up of the effect, especially towards the end, is not as effective as Yang’s strategic climatic ending. The fantasy elements of Yang’s story not only allow him to exaggerate his theme but also to entertain readers throughout the comic. Each piece of literature should change by its ending and while both works do this, the transformation of American Born Chinese is more shocking, and thus has a greater effect. The plot and the character development surprise the unsuspecting readers and therefore prompt their reflection. Pati develops her character through retelling a story. Meanwhile, Yang develops his character through unexpected, action-packed, and warped events. As a Booklist reviewer asserts, “Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or oppose the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects — shame, racism, and friendship — receive thoughtful, powerful examination” (Booklist). In this way, the effect on the readers is more unique.

Perhaps the natures of the two genres also affect the impact on the reader. While the memoir primarily serves as a therapeutic and reflective means for Pati, the comic focuses on proving a point to readers. Where Pati Poblete has already made an explicit conclusion in her memoir at the very end, Yang leaves the reader more freedom to think, interpret, and explore the events of his comic as they unite and end in one single picture. In both cases, the two works stand as important pieces in Asian American literature that prove extremely pertinent in the complex world of today.

Works Cited

“American Born Chinese Reviews.” American Born Chinese Reviews. 2006. First Second. 15

May 2007 .

“March 13 Read the Oracles”. AsianAmExperience Blog. 2007. 15 May 2007

experience.blogspot.com>.

Poblete, Pati Navalta. The Oracles. USA: Hepay Books, 2006.

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. USA: First Second Books, 2006.

My Turn Essay

Rosa Bui

Professor Talusan

English 2: Asian American Experience

17 May 2007

My Turn Essay

Ricky Martin is Latino. Shakira is Columbian. Beyonce Knowles is African American and Creole. Christina Aguilera is Irish and Ecuadorian. Nelly Furtado is Canadian and Portuguese. Evidently, Whites, Blacks, Europeans, South Americans, and many other ethnicities exist in the American music industry. Millions of Asians live in the United States, so where is the Asian singer?

The absence of such talented and charismatic Asians in the American music market confuses many. After all, these Asian singers can truly sing without the aid of vocal transforming equipment or the art of lip synching, employed by many American artists today. Unsurprisingly, the answer to this perplexing question is the same answer for bamboo ceilings, absence of Asians in the modeling industry, inaccurate portrayals of Asians in film, and many other struggles Asians face. Sadly, discrimination and stereotypes still remain and severely affect Asians today.

Deeply rooted stereotypes prevent the success of Asians in the American music industry. “Asian-American artists and scholars argue that the racial stereotypes that hobble them as a group — the image of the studious geek, the perception that someone who looks Asian must be a foreigner — clash with the coolness and born-in-the-U.S.A. authenticity required for American pop stardom” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Viewed as studious and obedient, Asians are expected to take on roles such as doctors, engineers, and mathematicians. Therefore, occupations as entertainers, singers, actors, and models seem far-fetched and ludicrous. Consequently, Americans and the music industry find it difficult to cast away and look past that stereotypical image when considering an Asian talent. For example, the American Idol audience can not see an Asian as the next American Idol because to them, Asians do not possess the pop star quality. To the public, Asians do not fit the image because they “have” slanted eyes, buck teeth, short stature, and a geeky nature. Asians are passive and study all the time. The male is effeminate and the female is docile and mute. They are either fobs, tourists, store, restaurant, or laundry owners, nerds, or gangsters. Such overpowering labels prevent Asians to be seen as anything else. As a chain result, producers rarely hire or sign on Asian talents, doubting their commercial appeal to the public.

Many Asian singers have tried to break into the music business in America. Clearly possessing more natural talent than many other American singers, these pioneers are still rejected. Moreover, not only do Asians encounter difficulty but also Asian Americans, born and raised in America. Even they still face “fob” labels and the same stereotypes and struggles in the industry, despite having lived in America all their lives. This just proves how superficial, brutal, and shallow entertainment business can be. Rappers such as Jin showed great and equal talent by winning BET freestyle rap battles. Unfortunately, he was never accepted or achieved mainstream success because of his Chinese heritage. In American Idol, the dearth of Asian contestants and their early elimination can be seen in the case of Paul Kim. This year, judges praised Paul Kim for his range and tone but he reveals, “I was told over and over again by countless label execs that if it weren’t for me being Asian, I would’ve been signed yesterday” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Another Asian musician, Harlem Lee “has sung R & B in talent shows, in musicals at Disney World and even on an album he recorded in the 1980s as he pursued a music career after high school. Then in 2003 he won the NBC reality show ‘Fame’, gaining national attention and another record contract. Mr. Lee thought it was his big break, but he is about to turn 40 this year and is still working as a secretary, still waiting to make it as a singer” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Like Paul Kim, Harlem Lee is “sure about the one that has hurt him most: looking Chinese. In terms of finding an advocate in the industry, the Asian thing has been the critical factor…You just don’t fit” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100).

True, America has heard of Asian singers. However, these Asian singers are of mixed descent, where their looks are racially unclear. These singers include Cassie of Filipino and African American ethnicity, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. Their part-Asian ethnicity shocks many because they look fully African American or fully Caucasian. Perhaps this “advantage”, obscured Asian features, allowed them to succeed in the music industry.

Ironically, the Asian that did achieve fame was William Hung, who just serves as a comic relief. What made him famous was certainly not his amazing voice or incredible dancing talents, but his off-pitch and off-key performance of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”. The American market’s encouragement, focus, and attention on him demeans Hung and the Asian community. Furthermore, this parody and distorted spotlight sustains the negative ideas about Asians and Asian talent to the public.

One after another become discouraged after countless attempts at a singing career. Yet there are still hopeful candidates such as Korean phenomenon Rain, who is currently trying to enter the American market. With exceptional talent in dancing, singing, acting, and martial arts, he achieved overwhelming fame throughout Asia. In fact, he was named one of the one hundred most influential people by Times Magazine. However, he admits that he must work even harder to succeed in the American market. “He wants nothing less than to break down barriers, build cultural bridges and become the first Asian pop star to succeed in America” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain ). In Rain’s words, “ ‘The United States is the dominant music market. I would really like to see an Asian make it there. I would like that Asian to be me. That's why I'm studying the language, reading up on the culture and practicing every day to correct my weaknesses” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain). He does not want to fail and therefore thinks that “embracing [his] inner delicacy and letting [his] Asian-ness show rather than [impersonating] and being another couple of Asian dudes trying to do black music” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain) will help him surpass barriers. The Asian community waits with anticipation and hope as Rain prepares for his future American debut. Undoubtedly, however, he will confront some difficulties like the rest of the Asian singers.

In addition to discrimination and persistent stereotypes, Asians also face other setbacks including making up only about five percent of the American population and the lack of marketing mediums such as BET for African Americans and Telemundo for Spanish Americans. Jon Caramanica, music editor of Vibe magazine agrees that “By and large the music industry hasn’t done a great job cultivating Asian-American talent…Because there’s no significant tradition in the mainstream, it becomes that much harder to become that breakthrough artist” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100).

Stereotypes that haunt Asians and Asian Americans must be eliminated. Not only does it lead to many injustices, it also limits and discourages Asians’ goals and dreams. Personally, my parents and I have been discouraged in my desire to pursue a music career for the same reasons presented. American industry asserts that Asians do not put themselves out there or showcase themselves enough. However, many Asians have tried and failed because they were simply Asian. Therefore, it is a barrier created by society. America still needs significant improvement in equal representation, and eliminating racism, stereotypes, and discrimination. America needs to embrace, encourage, and nurture Asian and Asian-American talent as a starting point.

Works Cited

Navarro, Mireya. “Trying to Crack the Hot 100”. The New York Times. 2007. 10 May 2007. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/04/fashion/04asians.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=f670a0a731d45f3c&ex=1330664400&partner=digg&exprod=digg>.

Sontag, Deborah. “A Strong Forecast for Korean pop’s Rain”. The New York Times. 2006. 10

May 2007. < http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/27/news/rain.php?rss> .

College Reflection

Reflecting back, I feel like this year has gone by so fast, even faster than my freshmen year in high school. I still can’t believe that I’m almost a sophomore in college when it still feels like I began high school yesterday.

One thing I thought about was spending almost a whole school year without my twin. We went to preschool, middle school, elementary school, and high school together. We would do most things together and would look out and depend on each other. I miss the little things like, dividing up who would carry home what books so that we would each only have to carry half as many books compared to others. Sometimes, she would drive to school if I was tired from staying up all night to finish my school work or if I came home late from a volleyball game. Likewise, I would drive to and from school if she was feeling tired. But now, we don’t even see each other anymore because we are both so busy. In fact, I don’t think we have even talked longer than 2 minutes for the past couple of months. I feel like college has caused us to drift apart. But one good thing is that we have both become more independent. Now, I have to remember my own assignments and what is due for what class and I have to drive myself home even when I’m about to fall asleep.

I also thought about how I should have been more daring to travel much further for college. All the schools I applied to were in New England. Now I wish that I had applied to somewhere across the country. I realize that college is a new beginning and I wanted to start in a totally new and unfamiliar setting. I want to be away from my family and become completely independent. I think I need this to really mature and learn how to take care of myself and not always depend on my parents. I keep wondering what it would be like to live in a different state all by myself, away from a home and city that I have known for 18 years.

Even though going to Tufts didn’t really feel like a totally new beginning to me, I definitely think I learned a few lessons about myself and others. I really hope that next year, I can do better in all aspects of college (especially my grades). I hope I become more motivated and continue to learn valuable lessons.

Extra Credit Assignment

For the race related event, I attended the Vietnamese Student Club Culture Show. I enjoyed it a lot. Moreover, I thought it was more organized and thought out compared to the Korean Student Association Culture Show.

The atmosphere was very lively. Also, the decorations greatly contributed to the atmosphere. There were collapsible paper screens, paper lanterns, colorful flowers, etc.

I also liked the show because it included traditional elements. For example, there was traditional singing, lion dancing, and fashion show. These were essential because it fulfills the main goals of a culture show – to showcase what’s special about a specific culture. I’m sure many people were unfamiliar with the 2 traditional songs one of the females performed. I actually recognized one of the songs, because my dad, who is also Vietnamese used to sing that song on his karaoke.

I also thought the fashion show was very similar to what you would see on a real Vietnamese “ao dai” fashion show. Girls came out one by one, holding roses, escorted by males also dressed in traditional clothing. The dresses were beautiful and varied in style and color. I also thought this was also good in showcasing the different styles the traditional Vietnamese clothing can come in. Another side of Vietnamese clothing was revealed in the “farmer’s skit”. (People who work in the rice fields wear very thin baggy clothing and a straw hat.) I thought it would be even better if the clothing of older times could have been shown.

There was also food, which included spring rolls, egg rolls, fish sauce, Vietnamese drinks, etc. However, I thought it would have been better to add Vietnamese food that people don’t often know about. Because many people can go to restaurants to get egg rolls and spring rolls, I thought something different could have been more exciting. Also, people can learn more about Vietnamese cuisine.

So although there are many aspects to a culture, I thought the VSC culture did a good job in touching many areas – clothing, food, music, and language.

While achieving all the above, the show was also very entertaining and humorous. There were funny skits and a great video, which seemed like a real movie [with all its special effects and sound effects]. It was actually broken up into 2 parts which made the plot more suspenseful. Therefore, not only did a lot of work and planning go into the show, I also think they employed many strategies to engage the audience and make the show a success. A break-dancing performance was also included. It seemed like a lot of time and effort went into the whole event. I would definitely recommend people to go next year.

Some things I would have liked to seen were traditional instruments played and maybe a look into what Vietnam looks like today [since many will surprised at Vietnam’s views and growth considering its reputation as a very poor country]. I also would have liked to hear modern Vietnamese music.

Literary Analysis Paragraph

Paragraph from literary analysis paper

While completely different in style and technique, the Oracles and American Born Chinese present strikingly similar protagonists and their character developments. Both characters face an identity crisis, traveling on a journey of similar internal conflicts. Essentially, both works convey the same theme and message. However, the authors, Poblete and Yang, employ many different literary techniques to achieve this. Ultimately, Yang succeeds to create a greater effect on readers.

American Son, A "Coming of Age" story

A Bildungsroman highlights a protagonist’s development and journey to maturity. American Son by Brian Ascalon Roley is clearly an example of such a novel.
One component is that “some form of loss or discontent must jar him or her at an early stage away from the home or family setting”. In the novel, Gabe is beaten by his brother, Tomas, which spurs him to steal Tomas’ car and dog. He then runs away to Northern California to escape his family and his brother's negative influence. However, he eventually falls into Tomas’ way of life - gangs and violence, a life he previously tried to avoid.
Throughout the novel, his “process of maturing is long, arduous, and gradual, consisting of repeated clashes between the protagonist's needs and desires and the views and judgments enforced by an unbending social order”. Surrounded by a predominantly white society, the "unbending social order", Gabe struggles with his identity and his mother’s expectations of him. Being half Caucasian and half Filipino, Gabe therefore faces many expectations from different sources - American society and his Filipino mother, Ika. Initially a shy, good , and obedient son, he resorts to violence.
The major conflict is an internal conflict of “self vs. society or individuality vs. conformity”. He proves how hard the American immigrant experience is. Gabe is young, troubled, and vulnerable, suffering from alienation and confusion, in a harsh society he can’t understand. He is disconnected with his roots and unable to fit into the American society in which he lives.
The theme of exile and escape (another component of a Bildungsroman novel) is also present in American Son in various ways. His physical escape which propels him on his journey to “coming of age”. Also his attempt to internally escape his true identity and ethnicity displays the theme of escape. He also tries to escape his brother’s way of life but fails.
In a Bildungsroman novel, "eventually, the spirit and values of the social order become manifest in the protagonist". In American Son, the drive to pursue the American dream of prosperity and success becomes manifest in Gabe through his gang membership and violence.
Therefore, because American Son contains many features of a "coming of age" novel, it can be classified as a Bildungsroman novel.

4/3/07 Literary Analysis Topics

1. Comparing how the Oracles and American Born Chinese use literary techniques to convey the theme.

2. Comparing the protagonist(s) of the Oracles and American Born Chinese and their character development.

3. Symbolism in the Oracles and Woman Warrior

4. Advantages/Disadvantages of a comic and a memoir, American Born Chinese and the Oracles.

5. Effectiveness of the Oracles as a memoir and what techniques are used.