The story “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan is a prime example of emotions clouding perceptions while living the events. As a child, Jing-mei perceives her mother as controlling and full of unrealistic expectations. She illustrates the many attempts of her mother to mold her into a prodigy; trying to make her the next Shirley Temple, sitting at the table together night after night studying facts, studying passages in the bib

In “Marriage is a Private Affair” by Chinua Achebe, Okeke‘s emotions influence his response to the impending marriage of his son, Nnaemeka, and cause discord between the two. Because of Nnaemeka’s decision to marry someone of his own choosing outside of his tribe, feelings of hurt and betrayal surface in Okeke. “’I owe it to you, my son, as a duty to show you what is right and what is wrong. Whoever put this idea into your head might as well have cut your throat”’. (Achebe 469). He finds it unforgivable that his son could dispose of tradition. Nnaemeka holds hope that Okeke will change his mind once he meets the bride to be, but Okeke remains steadfast in his feelings. He vows never to be a part in this act of betrayal. “For eight years, Okeke would have nothing to do with his son, Nnaemeka.” (Achebe 470).

le and having to recall them by memory. Perhaps the last straw comes when her mother believes that Jing-mei can become a renowned pianist. “I had new thoughts, willful thoughts – or rather, thoughts filled with lots of won’ts.” (Tan 309). “’You want me to be something I’m not! I sobbed.

Some topics in this essay:
Affair” Okeke, Achebe Okeke‘s, , Shirley Temple, Kinds” Jing-mei, Amy Tan, Nnaemeka” Achebe, “marriage private, Private Affair”, “marriage private affair”, emotions play, tan 315, mold prodigy, private affair”, “two kinds”, hurt betrayal, anger hurt, innocence experience,