Attached is the pdf essay, “Two Ways to Belong in America.”
Answer these questions in your short writing:
In “Two Ways to Belong in America,” Bharati Mukherjee presents contrasting immigrant experiences through her depictions of Mira and Bharati. What descriptions give us an indication of this contrast? How do the two women’s different ideas of their identities as immigrants give us a sense of the complexities of immigration laws and policies?
This is a story about immigration. This is obviously a complex and important topic, as we know. The US is often called “a nation of immigrants” and there is certainly some truth to that. You’re being asked to read and reflect on a story about this woman’s experience — so this will be the first example of a narrative argument that you’ll read.
So read this story and answer the questions that are asked. Also, think about what argument this story is making and whether that argument is explicitly stated or more implied.
You don’t need to summarize the story. Writing a summary can be useful but it’s not necessary for us. Focus on the story, the writing, the language, the imagery, the emotion, or the logic in the story.