In Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club," an elderly woman reflects on a swan she purchased in Shanghai long ago, highlighting the sentimental value of her experience. The vendor proudly claimed that the swan was once an ordinary duck that aspired to be a goose, which adds to the bird's allure and significance. This story illustrates the transformative power of aspiration and beauty, emphasizing the emotional connections people form with objects.

The swan represents not just an ornamental possession but also a metaphor for the pursuit of dreams and the beauty that can arise from humble beginnings. Its backstory, told by the vendor, serves as a reminder that life's value often lies not just in practicality but in the deeper meanings we assign to our experiences. The old woman's memory of the swan encapsulates themes of hope and transformation that are central to the narrative.