Mother Tongue

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1990

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Summary

Essay Analysis

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Amy Tan includes two anecdotes about her mother’s interactions with other people: Du Yusong and her stockbroker. What impact do these anecdotes have on the essay as a whole? Explore using specific evidence from the essay.

“Mother Tongue” switches between addressing Tan’s mother’s issues with English and Tan’s own difficulties with the language. Is Tan implying that she is more like or unlike her mother? Provide evidence to support your analysis.

An important aspect of Tan’s position in the essay, which she repeats several times, is that she is a writer. How does Tan’s identity as a writer impact her relationship with English? Develop several supporting arguments to discuss.