A Duty To Family Heritage And Country Analysis

While novels are not written in truth, they generally have a theme with a plot that includes a dilemma or conflict that the reader can identify with. Generally, a valuable lesson in life is learned or an important theme is reflected upon. In the novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the main characters struggle to find their way while holding on to their personal dreams. Similarly, in the article, “A Duty to Family, Heritage, and Country” by Ying Ying Yu, the narrator struggles to attain her dreams that were imposed on her through her family and country. Chinese students are held to very high standards, and they have only one dream, which is to be successful in the eyes of their family and country. John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men and the

They want to live independently and without judgment from others. To them, success is living off the land and not having anyone to report to. In contrast, in “A Duty to Family, Heritage, and Country,” early on, Yu was taught to work toward pleasing her family by excelling in school. In Yu’s article she states, “Only duty will offer me something true, something worthy of my effort” (Yu). In China, dedication and hard work is the only pathway for students. School is very important to not only the families in China, but the entire community. Students learn very quickly that any goal worth achieving will come with a cost. In contrast, George and Lennie believe that life is there for the taking. George explains to Lennie, “We'd just live there and we'd belong there. No, sir, we'd have our own place where we belonged and not sleep in no bunk house” (Steinbeck 51). George believed that searching for the dream will make it happen, and even if it doesn’t happen, dreaming about it makes you feel good. Deep down inside, George knew the dream would never come true as long as he and Lennie continued being just farm workers. In a way, he uses this dream to his advantage against Lennie, to keep him happy, and satisfied, and out of trouble. In this case, dreams are possible, but not always reachable. However, dreams can bring hope. In Ying Ying’s case, however, she could not deviate from one,

Without consequences for unacceptable actions, there would be no lessons learned. In China, at an early age “There were punishments for not paying attention” (Yu). A typical child in China became well informed early in life that to make all the sacrifices possible was the only way to receive good grades in school. A grade of 85% is frowned upon. Poor grades and not paying attention were reasons to be beat by the ruler. In first grade, all Ying Ying wanted was the red scarf, which was a “symbol of responsibility, excellence and loyalty” (Yu). Ironically, all Lennie wanted was to touch the red dress of Curley’s wife to feel its softness. He just couldn’t help himself. Unfortunately, that is what ultimately led to his death. George explains to Slim, “So he reaches out to feel this red dress and the girl lets out a squawk, and he holds on because that's the only thing he can do” (Steinbeck 41). The result of Lennie touching that red dress ends tragically for Curley’s wife and ultimately, for Lennie. George was forced to kill him because he knew the people of the town would be after him, and they didn’t understand the way Lennie was. In Yu’s case, she had no alternative than to excel in school. That was the expectation, and she could not turn her back on her family and country. In each piece of writing, the reader is left with a sense of feeling sorry for the main characters. Each holds a