When studying non-fiction, it is crucial to critically evaluate the writer’s intentions by applying formalist and historical criticism to identify relevant elements. Moreover, authors use diverse strategies to effectively convey their thesis or themes. In this analysis, I have selected Andrew Lam’s “Who Will Light the Incense When Mother’s Gone?” and Joan Didion’s “On Going Home” as illustrations of non-fiction works. I will explore the themes in these works and examine how Lam and Didion communicate them, along with considering the purpose and intended audience behind their writing. Additionally, I will discuss why these works are classified as non-fiction and examine the role of imagination within these chosen stories.
The theme of Andrew Lam’s short story is “tradition,” as depicted when his mother inquires about who will light the incense. Lam, hailing from Vietnam, reminisces about lighting incense back home, but upon fleeing to America, he no longer remembers whom he should address his prayers to or for what purpose. He laments, “Having fled so far from Vietnam, I no longer know to whom I should address my prayers or what promises I could possibly make to the long departed” (p. 1115). His mother faithfully upholds this tradition since migrating to the Americas, but it risks fading away once she passes away. Nevertheless, Lam realizes that he and his mother inhabit separate worlds—she still believes in praying to their ancestors each morning, while he is preoccupied with living an American lifestyle.
Lam conveys the theme of his childhood memories with his mother in America. His mother displayed her children’s achievements proudly, alongside her religious practice of lighting incense on the ancestral altar. The author believes that the main message of this story is the sense of disappointment he feels knowing that no one will continue lighting the incense after his mother is gone. This feeling is relatable to any immigrant child. While his mother hopes one of her children will continue the ancestral tradition, Lam feels that participating in this practice is more about pleasing his traditional mother than embracing a living tradition. He expresses that he doesn’t fully belong to this Vietnamese tradition as he has assimilated to American ways.
The text presents a true narrative of the author’s personal experience and emotions of a particular day in his life. It commences with the author mentioning his mother’s recent seventieth birthday and emphasizes her lively disposition. Moving forward, the author delves into a detailed description of an interesting conversation between his mother and aunt. During this exchange, his mother poses a question about who will perform the task of lighting incense after her passing. In response, the aunt expresses uncertainty, stating that neither her children nor the grandchildren would fulfill that duty. This section can be found on page 1115.
When reading this story, it is important to use your imagination and empathize with the narrator’s position. Understanding their experiences can be challenging if you are not an immigrant’s child. The protagonist, Lam, feels disappointed in himself because he is capable of lighting the incense but hasn’t practiced it for a long time, making him feel hesitant about doing so. If you put yourself in the shoes of an immigrant child who no longer follows traditions from your homeland, participating in those customs would also make you uncomfortable. “I wish I could promise my mother that I will continue to light incense every morning for her and our ancestors after she passes away, but unfortunately I cannot” (p.1116).
Joan Didion’s “On Going Home” centers on the theme of “home.” The narrator, returning home to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday, is overwhelmed by emotions: “And yet, an indescribable anxiety colored the emotional connection between me and the place I originated from” (p. 636). Didion discusses how younger generations perceive home differently now. She shares her own feelings about being back home and hopes her daughter will have a similar experience. However, she acknowledges that she cannot guarantee her daughter the same sense of “home” due to their changed lives: “…I would like to bestow home upon her for her birthday, but our life has taken a different course now, and I cannot make such a promise” (p. 637).
The intention of Didion’s writing is to express the sensation of returning to one’s hometown. Despite having reached her thirties, being married, having a child, and owning a home, Didion experiences unexpected emotions when she visits the place she grew up. “…and yet I was almost thirty years old before I could talk to my family on the telephone without crying after I had hung up.” (p.636) When Didion left home, there was an underlying belief that you could never truly return. The purpose of this narrative may be to examine if others still share the same sentiment about going back home as she does. This story could resonate with anyone who has left their hometown and yearned to return, as well as those who hold strong familial connections.
In this account, Didion recalls her return to her parents’ house to commemorate her daughter’s first birthday. Throughout her stay, discussions within her family revolve around individuals who have been institutionalized for mental health reasons and those who have faced legal charges related to drunk driving (p.636). Furthermore, the manner in which both she and her family communicate with each other reinforces the non-fictional nature of this story. There are no expectations imposed on her, no conflicts arise, and nothing particularly amiss is noted. In addition, Didion mentions visiting her aunts during this time period. All of these occurrences take place while she is visiting her relatives to celebrate her daughter’s birthday.
In this brief narrative, Joan Didion’s visit to her parents’ house inspires readers to exercise their imagination. Didion’s emotions are relatable to those who have left their childhood home or contemplate doing so. These sentiments encompass the sensation of settling into a familiar routine, reminiscing about people from the past, and reconnecting with extended family. By empathizing with Didion’s circumstances, readers can encounter the same indescribable emotions she articulates.
Both stories share a common theme centered around family. Whether it is a meaningful tradition cherished by a family member or the ability to return home for a visit, everything ultimately revolves around being in the presence of loved ones who provide unwavering love and support.
