How does the phrase "Apple-pie American (born

Question

Chinese)" in stanza 1 contribute to the speaker's tone toward her experience in America?
• A. It creates a confused tone by highlighting how the speaker identifies with two different cultures.
• B. It introduces the poem with a critical tone to show how Chinese people are not considered equal to Americans.
• C. It develops a regretful tone because the speaker abandoned her Chinese identity to adopt American customs.
• D. It establishes a humorous tone because the speaker is amused by the way Americans view Chinese people.

Answer 1

The phrase "Apple-pie American (born Chinese)" contributes to the speaker's tone toward her experience in America primarily by highlighting the complexity and duality of her identity. Thus, the best answer is:

A. It creates a confused tone by highlighting how the speaker identifies with two different cultures.

This choice reflects the internal struggle and complexity of the speaker's identity as someone who feels connected to both American culture and her Chinese heritage, leading to a sense of confusion or conflict in her experiences.