What is the main conflict in Dragonwings that represents a cause and effect relationship that causes conflict

The main conflict in the novel Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is the tension between traditional Chinese culture and the American Dream. This conflict represents a cause and effect relationship that causes the protagonist, Moon Shadow, and his family to face numerous challenges and conflicts throughout the story.

To understand this conflict and its cause and effect relationship, let's break it down:

1. Cause: Moon Shadow's father, Windrider, is an immigrant from China who comes to America in pursuit of the American Dream. He hopes to build the first flying machine and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a dragon. This desire for advancement and progress is the cause of conflict because it clashes with the traditional Chinese values and customs Moon Shadow and his family hold.

2. Effect: As Moon Shadow and his family settle in San Francisco's Chinatown, they face various conflicts as they try to balance their cultural heritage with the demands and expectations of American society. Moon Shadow's uncle, who adheres strictly to Chinese traditions, disapproves of Windrider's dreams and sees them as a betrayal of their heritage. This leads to conflict within the family and a struggle for Moon Shadow to navigate between his father's aspirations and his uncle's disapproval.

Furthermore, Moon Shadow's emerging friendship with other American boys exacerbates the conflict. Moon Shadow is torn between the pull of his Chinese identity and the lure of the American Dream. He encounters prejudice, racism, and discrimination based on his Chinese heritage, which further highlights the clash between cultures and adds to the conflict.

In the novel, the cause and effect relationship of the conflict between traditional Chinese culture and the American Dream is depicted through various incidents, conversations, and the internal struggles of Moon Shadow. These conflicts drive the narrative forward and shape the characters' motivations and actions.

To fully grasp the intricacies of this conflict, I would recommend reading Dragonwings and paying attention to how the clash between cultures creates tension, challenges, and obstacles for the characters, ultimately leading to the main conflict in the story.

You have to read the book to find out. None of the tutors here has read it, but you are supposed to have done so. You can tell us!