Question

part 4: group practice- “the sniper”, “fish cheeks”, or “the landlady”
directions:
step 1: create a list of at least 3 motifs.
step 2: use your motifs to help guide the creation of a theme statement
step 3: provide at least 2 pieces of evidence/specific examples from the texts that demonstrate how your theme is supported in the story

assigned short story: fishcheeks
motifs: circle which motif you will be focusing on for your theme creation.

1. culture
2. shame

3.

theme statement:

examples/evidence from the text to support your theme (summarize in own words):
1.

2.

Explanation:

Motifs of culture and shame in "Fish Cheeks" can be used to explore the theme of self - acceptance in the face of cultural differences. The narrator is ashamed of her family's Chinese - American culture when her crush and his family come to dinner. Evidence includes her embarrassment over the traditional Chinese food and her family's behavior.

Answer:

Motifs: Culture, Shame, Self - Awareness
Theme Statement: The struggle to accept one's own culture due to external influences can lead to feelings of shame, but ultimately self - awareness and pride in one's heritage can prevail.
Examples/Evidence from the Text to Support Your Theme:

1. The narrator is mortified by the traditional Chinese fish with its head and tail still on when the minister's family comes for dinner, showing her shame of her culture.
2. Her mother tells her that one day she will be proud of her Chinese heritage, which hints at the potential for self - awareness and acceptance of her culture.