「漫画と大統領制と身体の病理：アメリカの歪み鏡」の英語長文問題

The graphic novel *American Born Chinese* masterfully intertwines the seemingly disparate themes of cultural identity, the inherent limitations of the presidential system, and the insidious nature of physical illness. The narrative follows Jin Wang, a Chinese-American teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence and assimilation, while simultaneously showcasing the allegorical struggles of the Monkey King, a powerful but flawed deity. The Monkey King's relentless quest for immortality mirrors the often-unhealthy ambitions of political figures within the American presidential system. The novel cleverly uses the Monkey King's physical transformations – his ability to shape-shift, his vulnerability to certain weapons – as a metaphor for the unpredictable and sometimes destructive nature of political power. Just as the Monkey King's physical form reflects his internal struggles, so too does the novel suggest that the idealized image of American presidents often masks deep-seated flaws and internal conflicts. The relentless pursuit of power, echoing the Monkey King's quest, can lead to compromises of morality and a neglect of the very people the president is meant to serve. This is symbolized by the novel's depiction of the presidency as a grand but ultimately confining stage, trapping its occupants in a cycle of self-serving ambition. Furthermore, the novel subtly connects physical illness with the pervasive societal anxieties surrounding the American Dream. Jin Wang's own experiences with self-doubt and his struggles to fit in parallel the Monkey King's physical vulnerabilities, suggesting that the pressures of conforming to societal expectations can manifest as both psychological and physical ailments. The narrative underscores the inherent tension between the idealized image of the successful American and the often harsh reality of personal struggle. The very structure of the American political system, with its emphasis on individual achievement and often ruthless competition, can exacerbate these internal conflicts, ultimately contributing to the mental and physical toll on those vying for power. Ultimately, *American Born Chinese* offers a nuanced critique of the American experience, weaving together seemingly disparate strands – cultural identity, presidential politics, and the body’s fragility – to paint a complex and unsettling portrait of a nation struggling to reconcile its ideals with its realities. The narrative reminds us that the pursuit of power, whether personal or political, carries inherent risks and that the idealized images we project often mask deeper, more troubling truths.