Introduction
A typical American lifestyle is one that has been aped by a number of immigrants all over the world. These immigrants abandon their native cultures and accustom themselves to it. Scholars have so far through experiences-noted this profound fact and expressed it in a way or the other. In her comical and humorous publication, ‘Typical American’, Gish Jen unequivocally portrays the lives of Chinese immigrants in search of ‘better lives’ in America.
Thesis statement
This essay seeks to discuss the similarities and differences in personalities between Ralph and Theresa as largely influenced by cultural, fiscal and social challenges in their bid to become ‘typical Americans’.
Difference between Ralph and Theresa
According to Jen, Ralph is a very inconsistent character who promises to keep his Chinese culture but fails and breaks quite a number of them (Jen 3). It is overwhelmingly evident that from the beginning of the story Ralph commits that he would not abandon the path of Chinese customs and would avoid being confused by the imminent shock of American culture while studying in America. However, the one that comes to his rescue is his sister, Theresa. She brings him on his feet after a tumultuous chapter of bewilderment (Jen 3). Taking advantage of his inconsistency, Ralph’s friend, Grover Ding persuades him into a somewhat big business with the intention of getting quick riches. This enormously causes him a lot of money and he eventually suffers a financial crisis (Jen 4).
On the other hand, the author notes that Ralph’s sister, Theresa, depicts some sense of conservativeness. She is the one that brings Ralph to track when he almost quit his degree amid confusion by the American culture. However strong the currents of the American culture, She could still remember her past very clearly.
Jen goes on to show the greed that Ralph has. He is upbeat with the simple illusion imposed on him by his friend to quit his teaching job and engage in business opportunity (Jen 4). Although this could be a great sense of enthusiasm and optimism in achieving a goal, Ralph goes into this with the aim of getting a lot of money in a short period of time. This notion plunges him and his family into a financial catastrophe when the business fails. His family too, goes through an awfully tempting moment in this foreign land.
While Theresa is responsible, the converse is true for Ralph. As well illustrated in the story, Ralph makes up his mind to bring up a family together with Helen as his wife. However, his highest level of irresponsibility comes in when he is reminded by his sister, Theresa, that the culture of a ‘typical American’ should not make him lose his desired dream of achieving his degree course. It is of great concern that it is the younger sister that makes him realize what he is supposed to be doing. This point of responsibility is accompanied with a lot of caring that prompts her to be watchful of her brother (Jen 2).
Theresa is such an adulterous woman. Jen narration of this lady’s involvement with a married man is a precise show of her immorality (Jen 2). However, his brother Ralph is so faithful and dedicated to his wife Helen and they raise a family together. Even during the times of crisis, he remains true and submissive to his family (Jen 3).
Similarities between Ralph and Theresa
Though there are quite a number of differences between these two siblings, Jen’s story, illustrates some similarities in the way they do things and approach issues (Jen 4). For instance, both Ralph and Theresa are seen to be very ambitious, and motivated. There are incredibly eager and desirous of getting hold of success and riches, exceptionally evident in their struggle to cope up with the American racist environment and the language barriers. These extremely ambitious characters are so individualistic that they inflict a lot of pain onto each other.
In addition, both characters give a picture of both determination and perseverance. According to Jen, being an immigrant in America is such a frustrating experience (Jen 3). The social, cultural and political orientations are far much different from that of their homeland. Assimilation into this strange lifestyle proves to be such a hard challenge. Despite the cruelty, both Ralph and Theresa make their ways into the environment and achieve what they pursue.
On the other hand, it is worth stating that Ralph and Theresa are openly tolerant of the behaviors of the Native Americans who in a number of ways, strive to scold them and make them feel as though they are not part of the society. Their fellow student are so full of scornful remarks and in one case, they give ‘Ralph’ his name, which means a kind of a dog. In one of the conversations, one of his classmates retorts, ‘…I am laughing at you…at you…’ (Jen 3). In any typical situation, anger would automatically erupt ensued by conflict. In spite of all these, these two do not involve in any clash and this really keeps them going.
Even though the first part of the story tells of a very strict and rigid Chinese family who would not relent on their cultural beliefs and traditions, both Ralph and her sister Theresa are flexible. Jen makes the audience see to themselves that they are both slowly assimilated into the environment of being ‘typical Americans’ however much they go through a lot of problems. According to the story, we finds out that Ralph contemplates changing his religion from Hinduism to Christianity which is far much in contradiction to the pledges that they had made to their parents when leaving for America.
Both Ralph and Theresa are exceptionally intelligent people. This is shown when Ralph attains a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering while her sister becomes a medical doctor (Jen 2). Their sharpness together with the ability to adequately access knowledge makes them reach this far. Though faced with a number of challenges, nothing deterred them from reaching the great heights of academic excellence in a distant land.
Conclusion
Using these two characters, Jen displays an emblematic situation through which immigrants over the world go. She does this with a lot of wit and careful incorporation of satire and irony. While to some it is an opportunity for adventure into the outside world of absolute freedom and success, others experience immeasurably harsh circumstances that could make them give up. Notably, imitating one’s native customs in preference to another is a hard choice some immigrants make and they come with relevant consequence, and as Ralph eventually realizes, ‘…freedom made him see how much so. America was no America…’ (Jen 4).
Works Cited
Jen, Gish. Typical American. Boston: Plume Publishers. 1991.