Lindo Jong
Lindo JongLindo Jong
Childhood is the foundation of who we become when we've grown. In Amy Tan's novel "The Joy Luck Club" we see the journey to adulthood in the lives of four mothers and their daughters. These women all made sacrifices. Some earlier on in life, and some later. One woman, for the honor of her family, was betrothed at the age of two to a wealthier, more important family, more important at least in society. Because of her loyalty to her family she endured much emotional and psychological suffering and in turn became a stronger woman. Not strong in body, but in character. This woman is Lindo Jong.
When she was but two years old, the village matchmaker came to her home and Lindo was pledged to marry a boy who was only a year old. She was twelve years old when the Fen River flooded and destroyed her village and her home. This natural disaster forced her family to move to a nearby village, but Lindo stayed behind. She was to move in with her future in-laws, the Huangs. When she arrived at her new home, the place where she would start her new future, she could see by the outside of the house that the Huangs were much higher in society than her family was. Once she stepped inside, however, she sees that the house is uncomfortable and imposing. Lindo was not welcomed warmly as a new member of the family. Instead she was shown to the servants' quarters which gave her a good idea about her position in this household. Her sole purpose of being the bride of Tyan-yu was to provide grandsons for Huang Taitai, her mother-in-law-to-be.
Lindo was determined to honor her parents and worked hard to become a good wife, learning how to sew, cook and clean. She had promised her family she would learn to be a good wife and a good daughter-in-law as well. This kind of honor is common in Chinese families but culturally not as common in the American household. Promises are easily broken in the American family but it is a matter of honor when the same happens in a Chinese home.
When Lindo finally does marry Tyan-yu he is afraid of her...
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