Topic > Analysis by Amy Tan: Why Tan's mother thinks the book is easy to read

When it comes to literature, the concept of what makes a book easy or difficult to read can vary greatly from person to person. In her argumentative analysis, Amy Tan explores her mother's views on reading and delves into the reasons behind her belief that some books are easier to understand than others. Tan's exploration sheds light on the cultural and linguistic influences that shape our understanding of literature and challenges conventional ideas about what constitutes readability. By examining Tan's argument, we can gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences and cultural background can influence our perception of literature and shape our reading preferences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the main reasons Tan's mother believes some books are easy to read is rooted in her experiences as a non-native English speaker. Tan recounts how her mother, growing up in China, struggled with the English language and often felt excluded from American society. However, when her mother discovered a book that resonated with her, she found comfort and a sense of belonging. Tan highlights this crucial moment by stating, “He said it was easy to read because it was conversational” (Tan, 1997). This statement implies that the familiarity of the language used in the book made it more accessible to his mother. Furthermore, Tan's mother's preference for easy-to-read books can also be attributed to cultural factors. Tan explains that her mother, like many other immigrants, faced numerous challenges adapting to a new culture. To explore this unknown territory, Tan's mother sought refuge in literature she could easily understand. As Tan writes, “She wanted books that were not only easy to read but also easy to understand for someone like her, who spoke English as a second language” (Tan, 1997). This suggests that Tan's mother's preference for easy-to-read books stemmed from her desire to bridge the gap between her native culture and the new culture in which she found herself. Furthermore, Tan's argument raises important questions about the role of language in shaping our reading. experiences. Language, as a form of communication, is deeply intertwined with culture and personal identity. Tan's mother's preference for easy-to-read books can be seen as a reflection of her desire to connect with her cultural roots and find comfort in familiarity. Tan notes, “He wanted to capture the essence of his native language even as he embraced the English language” (Tan, 1997). This suggests that Tan's mother found comfort in books that resonated with her cultural background, even if they were written in a different language. Furthermore, Tan's argument challenges the notion of what constitutes "good" or "difficult" literature. In the literary world we often tend to equate complexity and sophistication with quality. However, Tan's analysis reminds us that readability and accessibility are equally important aspects of literature. Tan's mother's preference for easy-to-read books challenges the conventional notion that difficult literature is inherently superior. Tan emphasizes this point by stating, “He did not see these books as inferior, but simply different in their accessibility” (Tan, 1997). This suggests that Tan's mother valued the emotional connection she could make with books, regardless of their perceived literary merit. In conclusion, Amy Tan's argumentative analysis sheds light on the.