Journal Assignmnet 1
Gouzal Nazary
English 111
Dr. Olson
Journal Assignment 1
In the narrative “Chop Suey” the author, Ira Sukrungruang, describes a short part of his childhood growing up in the USA. This short story depicts how even though the differences between Thai and American cultures were hard for his mother to get accustomed to, she was always there for him being his mother. The narrative focuses on a short scene that takes place in a bowling alley where his mother had brought him to bowl. He wants to show his mother that he can bowl but unfortunately he fails at every attempt and is embarrassed. His mother then decides to take her turn and plays nearly a perfect game, strike after strike. He’s amazed as he listens to his mother tell him how she was unbeatable in Thailand. When they are finishing up, a very intimidating man with tall dark hair approaches them with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. At first they are scared of this man but then he says that he wants to thank them for the delicious chop suey that “their” people make. Hearing this, his mother becomes even more intimidating for a second and then gives the man a huge smile, thanking him.
The author does a great job of using details and descriptions to really enhance the scene and all the emotions. My favorite part was where his mother is describing to him how well she bowled in Thailand and just how amazed he is that his mother can do something other than cooking and cleaning. This shows how in many cultures woman are only known for being good housewives and taking care of the children. However, here his mother is portrayed as a hero and in a very masculine way, which is what surprises and amazes little Sukrungruang himself.
English 111
Dr. Olson
Journal Assignment 1
In the narrative “Chop Suey” the author, Ira Sukrungruang, describes a short part of his childhood growing up in the USA. This short story depicts how even though the differences between Thai and American cultures were hard for his mother to get accustomed to, she was always there for him being his mother. The narrative focuses on a short scene that takes place in a bowling alley where his mother had brought him to bowl. He wants to show his mother that he can bowl but unfortunately he fails at every attempt and is embarrassed. His mother then decides to take her turn and plays nearly a perfect game, strike after strike. He’s amazed as he listens to his mother tell him how she was unbeatable in Thailand. When they are finishing up, a very intimidating man with tall dark hair approaches them with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. At first they are scared of this man but then he says that he wants to thank them for the delicious chop suey that “their” people make. Hearing this, his mother becomes even more intimidating for a second and then gives the man a huge smile, thanking him.
The author does a great job of using details and descriptions to really enhance the scene and all the emotions. My favorite part was where his mother is describing to him how well she bowled in Thailand and just how amazed he is that his mother can do something other than cooking and cleaning. This shows how in many cultures woman are only known for being good housewives and taking care of the children. However, here his mother is portrayed as a hero and in a very masculine way, which is what surprises and amazes little Sukrungruang himself.