Amy Tan “Mother Tongue”

Class Discussion

Sample Questions

Break down the meaning of the essay’s title. What does it symbolize?

Tan tells us that as a writer, she cares about the way language can “evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth” (Tan 142). What passages in the essay have language that is evocative?

How does this essay connect to voice?

How does her mother affect Amy Tan’s identity?

How do stereotypes affect Amy Tan’s identity?

How do the actions and words of others impact Amy Tan’s identity?

Apply Eric Erikson to this piece. What conflicts appear? How do you think Tan is affected by the caregiving role she takes on?