Fish Cheeks

Embarrassed and hiding her face, Amy Tan struggles to accept herself during an excruciating dinner her mother had set up with an american family. The lesson she was taught here is one she will come to remember for a long time. This story, Fish Cheeks, by Tan shines a light on the idea that parents lessons are better learned through austerity. Kids will remember the moments in life where they felt strong emotions, like anger, embarrassment, and shame. Kids remember lessons through thoughts and feelings, and getting a harsh lesson from a parent is always remembered. A good parent teaches their child morals and lessons that may seem harsh in the moment, but positively impact them in their future. In “Thank You Ma’am”, Langston hughes uses characterization to show that by being strict in teaching Roger, Mrs Jones was able to help him achieve better life skills. In the story Mrs. Jones is approached by a young boy attempting to steal her pocketbook. She sees that this boy may need help, and she uses her own experience and care to help Roger to become a better person. This quote from Mrs. Jones is an accurate and general representation of her character, “‘And next time don’t make the mistake of latching on to my pocketbook’ ... ‘Now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?’” Hughes expresses of Mrs. Jones’ way of teaching through characterization. Mrs Jones is characterized as a woman who uses austerity to show her love. She uses “tough love” to help Roger to become a better person. Mrs. Jones’ characterization shapes Rogers character development. In the beginning Roger is characterized as a boy who does not …show more content…
A little bit of harshness is worth a lifetime of moral skills. The best parents are the ones who have the ability to be strict and harsh, yet still get their message across in a loving