Waverly's mom grew up in China before moving to America, while Waverly is growing up in a part of America that is heavily influenced by China. Chess becomes her window into the United States—which is more intellectually rigorous than, say, going to barbecues and rooting for the 49ers, but still a way of getting out of her Chinese neighborhood. Her mom wants this for Waverly, but can't let go of her Chinese values enough to make it work. Both Waverly and her mom are stuck in the middle of two cultures in "Rules of the Game"—so naturally, they end up blaming each other. Go team.
Questions About Foreignness and "The Other"
- Why does Waverly's mom stress that the chess rules are American? Why is this so important to her?
- Waverly says that Santa Claus is not Chinese, but she doesn't say the same thing about the Christian church where he hands out his presents. What is it about Santa that makes him different from the church in that sense?
- Does Waverly's mom think that chess is a way of proving Chinese dominance? Why does Waverly attribute Chinese thoughts and philosophy to her chess playing?
- Why does Tan have Mom speak in broken English? What does that say about her as a character?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Waverly's mom's Chinese values ultimately drive her away from Waverly.
Waverly's mom uses chess to keep Waverly from becoming "too American."