Self In Amy Tan's Fish Cheeks

First, both Tan and Crutcher utilize conflict to convey the shared theme that a strong sense of self is necessary under pressure from the expectations of others. For example, in Tan’s story, ‘Fish Cheeks’, when it is revealed to Amy that Robert’s family was invited to her house for Christmas Eve, it is said, “What would Robert think of our shabby Chinese Christmas Eve?” (2) it is presented that she thinks her family is embarrassing. The problem is that she also enjoys Chinese culture, as shown in the example, “My father … plucked out the soft meat. ‘Amy your favorite.’ … I wanted to disappear.” (5). Amy is torn between two cultures, which is why this is character vs. self. She is doubting her culture because other’s expectations differ. Amy