Essay Questions

What is the primary conflict in In the American Society by Gish Jen?

There is a major conflict between Mrs. Chang and Mr. Chang. Mr. Chang believes in his Chinese background and patriarchal views. However, Mrs. Chang is comfortable with her American background and ready to embrace it. Mr. Chang and his wife often clash when adapting to the new culture. Mrs. Chang says that her husband is living in China mentally despite being in America because he does not embrace any form of the American way of doing things.

How does Gish Jen explore the theme of success?

The Chang family members are immigrants from the United States of America. Under normal circumstances, immigrants have limited access to opportunities compared to the locals. However, Mr. Chang is a hardworking man determined to grow his pancake shop into a multi-million restaurant. After starting his pancake shop, Mr. Chang and his family work extra hard to ensure they break even. The pancake shop grows into a big restaurant with several employees in a few months. As a result, Mr. Chang becomes very wealthy. Due to the success of the family business, Mrs. Chang quits her supermarket job, where she works as a manager, to join her husband in making their restaurant more successful. Therefore, the theme of success is dominant throughout the text because Mr. Chang and his family are determined to excel daily.

What is the symbolic meaning of the suit jacket used in the novel In the American Society?

The suit jacket symbolizes Mr. Chang's unwillingness to fit into American society. Mr. Chang strongly believes he is Chinese because he feels comfortable doing things that conform to Chinese culture. Mr. Chang sees the suit jacket as contemporary American attire. When asked to wear the suit jacket, Mr. Chang refuses because he is uncomfortable.