The motivation behind a narrator’s thoughts is an intriguing topic that can reveal much about their character and behavior. By examining the narrator’s internal monologue, readers can gain insight into what drives them and what conflicts they may be facing. Some narrators may be motivated by a desire for power or control, while a need for love or acceptance may drive others.
In analyzing the motivation behind a narrator’s thoughts, it is important to consider the context in which they are presented. The narrator’s actions and behavior can provide clues to their underlying motivations, as can other characters’ reactions in the story.
Understanding what drives the narrator, readers can better appreciate the story and its themes. In this post, we will use Amy Tan’s Two Kinds masterpiece.
Key Takeaways
- Examining a narrator’s thoughts can provide insight into their character and behavior.
- Understanding a narrator’s motivations can deepen readers’ appreciation for the story.
- Context is important in analyzing the motivation behind a narrator’s thoughts.
Act
The narrator’s thoughts in “Two Kinds” show a strong motivation to act. She is determined to become a prodigy and make her mother proud. She practices relentlessly, even when it becomes frustrating and tedious. This motivation to act is evident in her statement, “I was going to be a great concert pianist.”
The narrator’s motivation to act is also evident in her interactions with her mother. She argues with her mother about practicing and about what it means to be a prodigy. She is not content to simply accept her mother’s expectations; she wants to define her own path. This motivation to act is seen in her statement, “I won’t let her change me, I promised myself.”
Throughout the short story, the narrator’s motivation to act is both a source of strength and conflict. It drives her to work hard and pursue her dreams, but it also creates tension with her mother and causes her to struggle with her identity. Ultimately, the narrator’s motivation to act shapes her character and drives the story’s plot.
Character and Behavior
The narrator’s thoughts reveal a complex character who is both a child prodigy and a struggling adult. Their true nature influences their behavior, which is a mix of extraordinary talent and average mediocrity.
Exceptional abilities and a thirst for knowledge characterized the narrator’s behavior as a child prodigy. However, as they grew older, their talent began to wane, and they struggled to maintain their status as a prodigy.
Despite their struggles, the narrator continues to exhibit a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. They are driven by a desire to prove themselves and achieve their goals.
The narrator’s thoughts reveal a character who is both flawed and admirable. Their behavior reflects their true nature, which is a mix of exceptional talent and average mediocrity.
Motivation
The narrator’s thoughts reveal a complex mix of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic Motivation
The narrator’s thoughts often exhibit extrinsic motivation driven by external rewards or punishments. For example, the narrator may be motivated to work harder because of the promise of a promotion or the fear of losing their job. These external factors push the narrator to perform, even if they do not enjoy the task.

Intrinsic Motivation
At the same time, the narrator’s thoughts also demonstrate intrinsic motivation, which comes from within and is driven by personal enjoyment or interest in the task. The narrator may be motivated to work harder because they find the work fulfilling or challenging. These internal factors pull the narrator towards the task, even without external rewards or punishments.
The narrator’s thoughts show a balance of push and pull factors, with extrinsic and intrinsic motivation playing a role in their actions and decisions. Understanding the interplay between these different types of motivation, the narrator can better understand their thoughts and feelings and make more informed choices about how to approach their work and life. For more information on motivation, check out Brainly.com.
Conflict and Resolution
The narrator’s thoughts show a conflict between their desire to be a good parent to their children and their personal needs and desires. They struggle with balancing the demands of parenthood with their desires for personal fulfillment and happiness. This conflict is evident in how they describe their thoughts and feelings about their children and their interactions with them.
However, the narrator also shows a resolution to this conflict by recognizing their children’s importance and trying to prioritize their needs. They acknowledge that their children are a top priority and that they must make sacrifices to provide for them and ensure their well-being. This resolution is evident in how they describe their actions and decisions regarding their children and their interactions with them.
The narrator’s thoughts show a complex mix of conflicting emotions and desires, but they ultimately prioritize the needs of their children and strive to be a good parent to them.
Conclusion
The narrator’s thoughts reveal a strong internal motivation to succeed and overcome obstacles. The narrator’s determination is evident in their willingness to persevere despite setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. Additionally, the narrator’s self-awareness and reflective nature suggest a desire for personal growth and development.
Overall, the narrator’s thoughts demonstrate a deep sense of purpose and drive, likely to serve them well in achieving their goals. By staying focused on their objectives and maintaining a growth mindset, the narrator is poised to achieve great success in their endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What evidence supports the idea that the narrator’s motivation is intrinsic?
The narrator’s motivation is intrinsic because she wants to prove to herself and her mother that she can be a prodigy. She practices the piano for hours every day because she enjoys it and wants to improve her skills. This is evident when the narrator says, “I was determined to be a Chinese Shirley Temple, a little princess.” Her motivation comes from within, and she is not doing it for external rewards or recognition.
Which excerpts from ‘Two Kinds’ are examples of internal conflict? Select two options.
One example of internal conflict is when the narrator says, “I won’t let her change me, I promised myself. I won’t be what I’m not.” This shows that she is struggling with her identity and wants to be true to herself. Another example is when the narrator says, “I was filled with a sense that I would never be able to get what I wanted.” This shows that she is conflicted about her abilities and whether she can achieve her goals.
Which cultural differences are revealed through this conflict? Select two options.
The conflict in ‘Two Kinds’ reveals the cultural differences between the narrator and her mother. The mother wants her daughter to be a prodigy and fulfill the American Dream, while the daughter wants to be true to herself and her Chinese heritage. This conflict shows how immigrant parents often have different aspirations for their children than what their children want for themselves.
Which conflicts are revealed in the passage? Select two options.
The conflicts in the passage include the conflict between the narrator and her mother, as well as the conflict within the narrator herself. The mother wants her daughter to be a prodigy, while the daughter wants to be true to herself. The narrator is also conflicted about her abilities and whether she can achieve her goals.
How is this passage an example of an internal conflict?
This passage is an example of an internal conflict because the narrator is struggling with her identity and wants to be a prodigy and fulfill the American Dream. This conflict is evident when the narrator says, “I won’t let her change me, I promised myself.”
What is the best definition of intrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is when a person is motivated to do something because of the internal rewards it brings, such as enjoyment, satisfaction, or personal growth. It is not motivated by external rewards or recognition, such as money or praise. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by personal interests, values, and goals.