Introduction Story

I believe that Amy Tan used the "Twenty-Six Malignant Gates" introduction in order to reinforce that family structure that is represented within the story. The introduction tells the story of a mother who warns her disobedient daughter to stay within the parameters of their home so that if she were to fall, she would be able to hear her daughter cry.  The mother warns her daughter of the Twenty-Six Malignant Gates which would cause her to fall if she did not stay close. When the daughter speeds off in a rage due to her mother's words, she instantly falls at the end of the block.

Throughout the entire book there is an emphasis on mother-daughter relationships. In the story the true story that the mother tells o shows the idea that the mothers are all-knowing and very wise. The stories told by the mothers throughout the story show that they have had many life experiences that have shaped and transformed them into the individuals that they currently are, as well as teach them how to raise their daughters.

I think another reason why Amy Tan used this introduction was to emphasize the importance of storytelling within the Chinese culture, and to show how the stories are passed down throughout generations. Despite the fact that the daughter does not appreciate her mother’s words at the time, in her adult years, if she becomes a mother she will be able to tell the same precautionary story that her mother told her.