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The Joy Luck Club Character Analysis

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The Joy Luck Club Character Analysis
Amy Tan portrays Lindo Jong, mother of Waverly Jong, as a brave, intelligent woman who uses her wit in order to get out of a restrained marriage. She shows an unwavering loyalty to her family as she sacrifices her, “life to keep [her] parents promise,” (42). Lindo deals with the harassment from her in-laws, as well as the childlike nature of her husband. She eventually receives abuse from her own daughter when she doesn’t fit the expectations of both Waverly and the society. Even through all these obstructions in her life, by being loyal, courageous, intelligent, and strong, she shows all the characteristics of the Chinese zodiac animal, the horse. In the Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes power and grace, as well as strength and freedom, …show more content…
She continuously takes the abuse and injustice through her difficult marriage because she promised to never disrespect her family. She verifies her strong and brave character as she adapts herself to fit the situation. When she gain self-confidence and a sense of freedom, Linda utilizes her clever mind to manipulate the Huang, or her in-laws, in to forcing her out of the marriage contract, allowing her to keep her promise to her parents and stay loyal to them. Once in America, Lindo once again proves herself as the smart one as she gets a young, American woman to teach her the American ways. Her ambitious and courageous side pushes forth as she boldly decided to ask (or to say manipulate) Tim to marry her through the fortune cookie. All throughout the novel, Amy Tan repeatedly portrays the similarities between Lindo Jong and the Chinese zodiac animal, the horse. The horse is believed to be a strong creature, which Lindo shows by persevering through her marriage, as well as her challenge g start of life in America. Lindo also shows her intelligence by manipulating the people around her to get what she wants. Lastly, through it all, Lindo shows her loyalty to her family, just like the horse, as all of her actions and decisions that she made, were made for the good of her
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