In the passage from “Fish Cheeks,” Amy Tan uses descriptive details to convey the embarrassment she feels during the dinner with her family and guests. The scene is set with her father leaning back and belching loudly, an action that starkly contrasts with the formal setting of having guests over, particularly someone like the minister. His loud belch not only disrupts the decorum of the meal but also highlights a cultural clash—one that Amy is acutely aware of.
The reference to her mother’s “fine cooking” accompanied by the belch suggests that her father’s actions, meant to praise the meal, come off as crass rather than appreciative. This juxtaposition creates a vivid image of discomfort; one can imagine the shocked expressions of the guests, particularly Robert, who is described as having a "reddened face," indicating his embarrassment and disapproval. The use of the word “astonished” depicts not only Amy's feelings but also the bewilderment of the guests, enhancing the sense of awkwardness surrounding the situation.
Additionally, Amy's stunned silence for the rest of the night encapsulates her internal struggle and humiliation. The emphasis on her father's act as a “Chinese custom” conveys Amy's understanding of cultural differences, highlighting her feeling of alienation amidst the contrasting expectations of American and Chinese norms. By presenting these specific actions and reactions, Tan effectively helps readers visualize the scene and feel the weight of Amy's embarrassment, illustrating the broader theme of cultural identity and belonging.
1 answer