Jin Wang: He learns to accept his true identity as a Monkey King reincarnate and embrace his destiny. He chooses to stay in the human world, not as a hero, but as a teenager navigating the complexities of his life, including his Chinese heritage and his relationship with his family and friends.
Danny: He overcomes his self-doubt and insecurities, realizing that he is worthy of love and belonging. He finally accepts his feelings for Jin and begins to understand the importance of embracing his own identity.
Wei-Chen: He learns the importance of empathy and compassion, recognizing that his actions have consequences and that judging people based on appearances is wrong. He begins to understand his own family history and the sacrifices his parents made for him.
The Monkey King: He acknowledges the limitations of his power and the importance of self-reflection and growth. He realizes that true heroism lies not in conquering enemies but in understanding and connecting with others.
The overall theme: The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle to reconcile different cultures and traditions. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the power of human connection. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that even in a world full of challenges, individuals can find their place and connect with others in meaningful ways.
"We" is not a cohesive group: It's important to remember that the ending doesn't necessarily mean a collective change for everyone. Each character's journey is unique and personal, and their transformations happen independently. The novel emphasizes individual growth and the power of personal choices.
Therefore, while the ending of "American Born Chinese" doesn't focus on a singular "we" changing, it showcases the power of individual transformations and the importance of embracing one's true identity.