The Pursuit of Identity and Belonging in "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu
Choose a character from one of the short stories in this unit by Roanhorse, Liu, or Rash. Name the character and briefly describe them, considering some of the following elements:
What they are like--how are they described?
What we know about their past and present? Consider their relationships, their environment, their position in society, and their culture.
What do they want? What are their dreams and goals? What do they fear? What drives them?
What do they do? Why? What do we see in the story itself, and what can we infer about them from their behavior?
What do they say? What do they leave unsaid? Why?
What conflicts do they face--both internal and external--and how do they address these conflicts?
Part 2. Consider how taking the approach of psychoanalytic criticism--focusing on the mind, unconscious motives, and the roots of desire--can enhance our analysis of a short story. Feel free to consult the readings from Mary Klages or Michael Ryan on psychoanalytic criticism to help you make these connections.
Part 3. Taking into account all of the above, and reading the Building a Strong Thesis Statement page for guidance, craft a working thesis for your Unit 3 Essay and include it in bold at the end of your post. This is your opportunity to check your progress towards that essay and get feedback at a critical juncture. The thesis should focus on why and how your chosen story from this unit uses specific symbols, metaphors, uses of irony, or characters to depict one of the themes from Unit 1 (Love, Alienation/Otherness, the American Dream/Nightmare, Quest for Identity/Coming of Age, or Conformity/Rebellion) in a particular way.
Title: The Pursuit of Identity and Belonging in "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu
Introduction:
"The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu is a poignant short story that explores the themes of identity, culture, and the search for belonging. The main character, Jack, faces internal and external conflicts as he navigates his mixed heritage, cultural differences, and the complexities of family dynamics. By examining Jack's character, his desires, fears, and actions, as well as applying psychoanalytic criticism, we gain a deeper understanding of the story's exploration of the quest for identity and the challenges faced by those who straddle different cultures.
Character Description:
Jack is a biracial Chinese-American man who struggles to reconcile his dual heritage.
He is described as a reserved and introspective individual, often feeling like an outsider in both American and Chinese communities.
Jack's past reveals his upbringing in a household where his mother's magical origami animals came to life, representing a connection to his Chinese heritage.
Presently, he is married with a child and has lost touch with his Chinese roots.
Desires, Goals, and Fears:
Jack desires acceptance and a sense of belonging in both his American and Chinese identities.
His goal is to bridge the gap between his two cultures while maintaining a strong connection to his roots.
Jack fears losing his cultural heritage, feeling like an imposter, and being rejected by those around him.
Actions and Behavior:
Jack's actions reflect his longing for connection as he tries to recreate the magical paper menagerie his mother made when he was a child.
He attempts to teach his son about their Chinese heritage, showcasing his desire to pass on cultural traditions.
Jack's reserved nature and hesitation to fully embrace his Chinese identity can be seen as a defense mechanism to protect himself from potential rejection.
Unspoken Words:
Jack leaves unsaid his inner conflict between his Chinese identity and the pressure to assimilate into American culture.
He holds back from fully expressing his desires and fears due to the fear of being misunderstood or rejected by others.
Conflicts:
Internally, Jack faces the conflict of reconciling his dual heritage and finding a sense of belonging.
Externally, he encounters societal pressures to conform to American norms while feeling alienated from his Chinese heritage.
To address these conflicts, Jack embarks on a journey of self-discovery, attempting to reconnect with his cultural roots and embracing his mixed identity.
Psychoanalytic Criticism:
Psychoanalytic criticism helps us understand Jack's internal conflicts and desires by examining his unconscious motives and the roots of his desires.
It highlights the influence of Jack's childhood experiences, particularly his mother's magical origami animals, on his longing for connection and acceptance.
Thesis Statement:
In "The Paper Menagerie," Ken Liu uses the symbolism of the magical paper menagerie to depict the universal human desire for identity and belonging. Through Jack's character, the story explores the challenges faced by individuals straddling two cultures, highlighting the internal conflicts they encounter in their quest for acceptance and self-discovery.