to us the indivisibility of the twin sisters. June May,s chinese name was Jing-me.i Jing like excellent jing. Not just good, its something pure, essential, the best quality. Jing is good leftover stuff when you take impurities out of something like gold, or rice, or salt. So what is leftjust pure sessence. And Mei, this is common mei, as in meimei, younger sister. Although she is the only daughter to her father, in her mothers eyes, she has two bigger sisters.The connection between the names of the mother and daughters is one of the essences that attach Jing-mei closer to her family and Chinese side. After Jing-mei gradually understands her mother more and about her sisters, she slowly realizes how important it is for herself to meet her half sisters. It is the cherished wish that her mother dreamed of. Jing-mei understands, when she comprehends what her name means, that her mother had given her that specific name in hope that maybe one day, Jing-mei will be able to find her sisters and fulfill her mothers long lost wish. And although we dont speak, I know we all see it: Together we look like our mother. Her same eyes, her same mouth, open in surprise to see, at last, her long-cherished wish.Parallel to the names, is the names of the cities that have changed their spelling. For Example, Chungking is Chongquin. And Kweilin is Guilin. And Guangzhou, which my guidebook tells me is how on properly refers to Canton. June Mays name also changes as she accepts her Chinese culture and identity to Jing-mei. The title A Pair of Tickets, is the story of a father and daughter on a journey from one place, America, to another, China. The action from moving from America to China, also symbolizes the movement of Jing-meis recognition of her identity as she shifts from her American culture to her new Chinese Culture that was already in her blood. Not only is this journey a physical action, but also a spiritual journey. Through this spiritual journey, Ji...
