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  • Essay / Analysis by Amy Tan: Why Tan's mother thinks the book is easy to read

    When it comes to literature, the notion of what makes a book easy or difficult to read can vary widely from 'one person to another. In her argumentative analysis, Amy Tan explores her mother's views on reading and delves into why she believes some books are easier to understand than others. Tan's exploration highlights 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 better understand how personal experiences and cultural backgrounds 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the main reasons why Tan's mother thinks certain books are easy to read is rooted in her own experiences as a non-native English speaker. Tan recounts how her mother, who grew 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 pivotal moment by stating, “She 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. Additionally, 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 many challenges adapting to a new culture. In order to navigate this unfamiliar territory, Tan's mother sought refuge in literature that she could easily understand. As Tan writes: “She yearned for 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 came 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 linked to culture and personal identity. Tan's mother's preference for easy-to-read books can be seen as a reflection of her desire to reconnect with her cultural roots and find comfort in familiarity. Tan notes: “She wanted to capture the essence of her mother tongue even as she embraced the English language” (Tan, 1997). This suggests that Tan's mother found comfort in books that matched 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 idea that difficult literature is inherently superior. Tan emphasizes this point by stating: “She did not consider these books inferior, but simply different in their accessibility” (Tan,..