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Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
Summary and Questions and Answers
Neb English Notes
Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
ABOUT THE STORY
Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
Amy Tan, an American author with Chinese heritage, wrote the short story "Rules of the Game" in 1989 as part of her book "The Joy Luck Club." The story is about an eight-year-old Chinese American girl who learns chess on her own and becomes really good, winning national competitions. The story explores themes like feeling left out, being independent, facing limitations, playing mind games, and the experiences of childhood.
MAIN SUMMARY
Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
Waverly, the narrator, learned the art of invisible strength when she was six. She was taught the art by her mother. It's a strategy to win by keeping quiet.
She grew up in San Francisco's Chinatown in a small apartment with two bedrooms above a Chinese bakery. There was a little playground nearby, but Waverly and her older brothers liked playing in the alley. Not far away, there was a fish market and a café.
The narrator got her name from the street she lived on, Waverly Place. Her family members called her Meimei, which means "Little Sister." She's the youngest and only daughter. Waverly's mother had a belief that Chinese people could do really well in everything.
When Waverly was seven years old, her family went to a Christmas party at the church. All the kids got presents, but not everyone liked what they got. Waverly got a 12-pack of Life Savers and was happy. Her brother Vincent got a chess set with two missing pieces. Her mother got gracious in public but told the kids to throw it away. They still used it.
During Christmas week, Waverly watches her brothers, Vincent and Winston, play chess. She gets interested in the game's strategies, and, after a while, they also let her join. Vincent teaches her the rules, and she dives into learning by reading chess books, understanding new words, and thinking about the pieces. She learns about openings, tactics in the middle of the game, endgame strategies, gathering hidden strengths, and the importance of keeping knowledge to herself. Eventually, both of her brothers stop playing with her.
One afternoon in spring, after school, Waverly notices some old men playing chess at the playground. She starts playing with Lau Po, a skilled player, regularly. She learns many tricks of the game and some good manners in chess. Her playing skills improve a lot.Waverly begins winning weekend exhibition matches and local chess tournaments, beating everyone. Her trophies are showcased in the Chinese bakery, and local businesses start supporting her. Waverly's mother assigns household chores to her brothers.
At nine years old, she becomes a national champion and is getting closer to being a grandmaster. Her picture is in Life magazine. She creates a unique way of posing, sitting, and moving the chess pieces.Waverly quits playing in the alley and playground. Now, she focuses on school and studying chess. Her mother watches her practice, making little noises. At home, her parents take care of her. She gets her own room and doesn't have to finish all her food at the table.
When there's no chess tournament, Waverly has to go with her mother to the market on Saturdays. They visit many shops, and Waverly's mother proudly announces that Waverly is her daughter to everyone around. Waverly feels it's too obvious and embarrassing. She tells her mother that she's used to showing off and suggests to her that she should learn chess if she wants to impress. Upset, Waverly runs off through alleys and streets until she gets tired. She rests on a plastic pail for two hours before going home.
The door is locked. Her brother Vincent hears her and opens it. He tells her that she's in trouble. The family is having a meal, and they don't pay attention to Waverly. She moves to her room and lies on her bed. In her mind, she envisions a chess board. Her mother is the opponent, and her mother's black pieces move forward while her white pieces scream and fall off the board.
Waverly feels light, lifts off the ground, and flies out of the window. She soars over the alley, the roofs, and into the sky until everything fades away. With her eyes closed, Waverly thinks about what she'll do with her next move.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Rules of the Game by Amy Tan
1. What is the significance of the title?
Answer:
The clear meaning is that Waverly has to learn the actual rules of playing chess as well as the strategies and manners to be successful.Another meaning is also apparent. Waverly's mom discusses learning American ways to thrive as an immigrant. Waverly also understands the "rules" of managing her cultures and handling her mother. These are the "rules" of life.
2. Waverly’s mother uses both of her names in the story. What is the significance of the change?
Answer:
Waverly's mother usually calls her Meimei, her Chinese name, but when they're at the market, she proudly announces to everyone that this is her daughter, "Wave-ly." In public, she uses Waverly's American name, the name linked to her success and recognized by the community. Waverly's mother wants credit for her achievements, and using the name Meimei wouldn't connect to her chess champion identity.
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