Analysis Of Naturalization By Jenny Xia

The experiences people go through impact the way the see world and those around them. Children are raised by their parents and witnesses to the triumphs and failures. When the age comes many often question their parent’s decisions. Some may feel bitterness and contempt while others may feel admiration and motivation. The “Sign in My Father’s Hands” by Martin Espada conveys the feeling of being treated as a criminal for doing the right thing. Similarly, “Naturalization” by Jenny Xie is the story of a family who recently immigrated to America going through gauntlet of assimilation. In this paper I am going to analyze, discuss, compare and contrast the authors attitudes towards their parents according to perseverance paternalism and passivity …show more content…
In particular, although a simple adverb, the word “so” used by Espada implies he viewed his father’s actions as an immediate moral obligation. Despite being well aware of the risks considering he had been jaded by the cruel realities of the word. Espada views his father as courageous and committed to fighting the ills of society. “Naturalization” by Jenny Xie contrasts Martin Espada surrounding primarily by context. While Martin Espada’s family was treated as criminals in their homeland. Xie’s family were treated as strangers in a strange land. The essential difference between the attitudes both authors hold for their parents are the contrast between cultural assimilation and social justice. Xie views her parents as obediently acquiescing into society’s expectation regardless whether right or wrong. “We memorize shame’s numbing stench” (Xie) This can be inferred as Xie holding resentment against her parents for their complicit obedience into society’s ills. In addition, she holds the belief her parents are applying greater pressure on her to integrate culturally. Contrary to Espada, Xie holds resentment towards parents due to their …show more content…
Later on, he would learn fellow Puerto Ricans would be beaten and even die in jail. Despite being jaded by police brutality, he sees his father as a hero, who survived the gauntlet of imprisonment. Economic and social hardships play a huge role in “Naturalization” as seen through the eyes of Xie. She views her parents as resilient for their perseverance in keeping their family afloat by any means necessary. “we paw at cheap silverware at yard sales” (Xie) This unarguably demonstrates her parent’s persistence to sustain the family. While she does bear witness to other tribulations her parents and admires them. This is the key similarity between the two authors attitudes towards their parents. They view them as determined individuals who unwaveringly fought for themselves and their families. Paternalism has the upmost importance in this essay due it’s proximity with the themes of both poems. Espada and Xie hold gratitude for their parent’s caring protection and foresight. Both genuinely believe their parents were concerned about their futures, however, the similarities end here. Espada holds his father in high regard with such attributes such as courage and enlightenment. Yet, he holds his father accountable for breaking his shell of ignorance and bliss