Randomness

Forum 5: Both Sides of The Reflection

Pang describes both sides of her life flawlessly in her essay. First starting with her repressed side, it starts the page off somewhat sulky and down. For her, she sees the Cantonese language as strict and unforgiving. It creates a hard environment for her in which to express herself. It is this feeling of constant submission that brings out her shy side. Her polite smile. The kind of smile that does not express any real enjoyment, but simply plasters over her true emotions. This, however, changes when she enters her second subject as she speaks of up-lifting characteristics and hope. It's the kind of thing that makes the readers themselves smile. In her essay, Pang states that English "is a language I command."She is much more bold when speaking and writing in English. She is able to express herself in ways she felt she never could in Cantonese. It is like she had suddenly stepped into a place, a language, a culture that no longer suppresses her ideals and identity. In her classes, she feels comfortable speaking up to correct someone on grammar. For her, the English language is much more than another way to mix up syllables; it is a lifestyle. A lifestyle she obviously enjoys. With her lifestyle, her smile changes as well. Finally, it can widen and give a laugh. Ultimately, her smile is free. The subject-by-subject approach allows for a closer connection to the writer, rather than the trait-by-trait, which wouldn't feel as personal. They are able to learn in-depth about how Pang feels about both sides of her story. It reels in the reader, lets them see two separate, yet the same people without confusing things. It helps to express just how much of a passion the writer has for her work. It's an essay on why she came to write the essay. The reason she enjoys writing. What I like most of all, is that she makes it clear that this is her life story. A story flawlessly showing both sides of the reflection.