Family defines Waverly's life in "Rules of the Game." She's just a kid, after all, and her mother is a force to be reckoned with—and she has her eyes set on Waverly. Yes, chess is in the mix, but the game is ultimately secondary to the complex relationship Waverly has with her mother. Waverly would probably still be happily playing chess in the park if her mom weren't around. But around she is, so Waverly has to make peace with her mother's overbearing nature and decide what kind of relationship they're going to have.
Questions About Family
- Why does Waverly's mom dismiss her early victories as luck? What does this say about her as a person and as a parent?
- The first sentence of the story gives Waverly's mom credit for teaching Waverly important things. How does this contrast with her mother's later behavior? How is it similar?
- When exactly does Waverly's mother change her tune about the chess set?
- How do Waverly's brothers treat their sister's success? Why doesn't she find them as exasperating as she does her mother?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Waverly's chess skills end up destroying her relationship with her mother.
Waverly would have had a tough relationship with her mother even if chess weren't involved.