Tickets Please By James Mutters

Amy Tan’s short story “A Pair of Tickets,” has June May crossing an ocean to visit her family that she has never met, where she connects with her Chinese heritage in a way she was never able to before. On her trip, she discovers the depth and importance of her culture through her family members. The main character, June May, is a woman of Chinese heritage, from San Francisco, California. Growing up in the United States, in a very American environment, June May feels as though she never truly understood what it meant to be Chinese. As she soon learns, however, June May realizes that through her own family she can connect with the heritage that bonds them all together.

In the story "A Pair of Tickets" by Amy Tan, talks about the story of Jing-Mei, the narrator, going to China to fulfill her mother 's dream. This story was a reflection of Tan 's life experiences when she visited China to go learn more about her background and see her sister. Going to China for the first time made her feel as she was "transforming" and feeling the Chinese in her that she never knew she has. She later finds out how much she cherishes her family and learns how important her culture is to her. Knowing who she is and where she comes from is an important aspect of her inner self.

Setting is one of the many way we learn about character. In Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets,” June May, the protagonist, at the age of fifteen denied that she had any Chines whatsoever in her. Now at the age of thirty-six June May is on way to China carry her mother’s dream of going back home, with her seventy two year old father, Canning Woo. Their first stop will be Guangzhou, to visit Canning Woo aunt who he had not seen since he was ten years

1-11) Annie Dillard is an American author born in 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Claiming no religion as her own, she attended Hollins University where she began writing prose and poetry under the guidance of her writing professor, and later husband, R H W Dillard. Her first book, a collection of poems entitled Tickets for a Prayer Wheel, was published in 1974 and details her quest for spiritual knowledge, a reoccurring theme in her works. Her most famous work was published soon after, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. She was awarded the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for her work. Her other famous works include Holy the Firm, An American Childhood, The Writing Life, The Living, and The Maytrees. She is currently married to historical

“Of course I have, we had a few classes together, I never fully got to know him but I wish that I had,” James replied innocently.

“He sounds like a good friend. When he comes to visit maybe we could meet him,” Peanut said.

“Ok, I know a great place to go.” She said cheerfully unlike the tone she had earlier. They walked for awhile until they reached a black house with a big window.

"I quite like him. He tells wonderful stories, he is funny and he seems a true friend." She continued as if he had not spoken. "How did you two meet?"

“I really am surprised that you didn’t recognize him considering he was your best friend. People can change a lot in twenty years though.” said Jeff

"I just had to meet her boyfriend for the first time and that was tough for me. I like the guy. She chose a really nice guy so I'm okay with it. He's a very respectful kid. Comes from a good family and that's what I like about him. He's very mature."

“Yeah he’s a good kid,” she said as if I didn’t know him. “It was nice meeting you” she extended her

The wind tousled my hair around as I closed my eyes and took deep, shaky breaths. The faint sound of the crowd cheering upstage didn't help with my nerves, so, instead, I turned my ears to the delicate waves rolling up the beach. I opened my eyes and gazed out at the lake; now an open canvas for the golden sun which had began setting. Quietly, I plucked each string of my guitar- though I’d already tuned them several times. On the outside, I may have seemed ready, content, and excited; however, on the inside, no matter how tranquilizing the back stage scenery was, I was terrified to the core.

“Melissa and I were friends in high school and went to college together,” he spoke boldly.

"Here you go." Amy snatched the tickets and tossed the money through the small opening at the counter. Soon they were on their way.

”Catherine, you got this. Do not be nervous,” I whisper to myself. I am on the sidelines waiting for my band to be called. My head is filled with fear, an emotion that had made itself home before every performance. Looking ahead, I see the 50 yard line where I will start the show.