Compare and Contrast two pieces or two authors using three literary Essay

Compare and Contrast two pieces or two authors using three literary critics. The stories used are How I Got That Name by Marilyn Chin and White Trash Primer by Lacy M. Johnson - Essay Example â€Å"How I Got My Name† depicts how the poet got her name ‘Marilyn’ and further illustrates social issues revolving family, and Americanization. As a reader, it is apparent that Chin is comfortable in her own voice as she tells her life experiences. In terms of structure, the poem is a four-stanza poem that utilizes free verse. It flow is natural and conversational, Chin’s tone changes from stanza to stanza. She incorporates irony, assonance, alliteration and other literary devices to add on to the flow of the poem (Cucinella 56). Its subtle complexity is reason for its continued popularity among audiences from all lifestyles in America. The subtitle to this poem is â€Å"an essay on assimilation† and this highlights the main theme that the poem tackles. Assimilation in America is difficult and the poem aptly captures her struggle (Cucinella 157). In addition, the subtitle signals to the reader that one should be sensitive and attentive to Chin’s struggle. Chin shares, both directly and indirectly, her experiences as a foreigner in America. Her father gives her the name ‘Marilyn’ derived from the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe. Her father’s choice of name illustrates that he had already envisioned his family as Americans; which they were not (Cucinella 54). Additionally, the name also depicted the influence that American pop culture had on Chin’s father. Her father easily assimilated into the American culture and wished his family would also follow suit. Despite being assimilated quickly, the family stayed true to its Chinese traditions and culture. Her father was the patriarch of the family and nobody dared to question his authority and decisions. Throughout the poem, Chin hints at the internal struggle she underwent as she integrated into the American culture. The second stanza provides proof â€Å"The further west we go, we’ll hit east; the deeper we dig,