Questions and Answers
What are the two forces that struggle in a conflict called?
Who is the opponent in the narrator's imaginary chess game?
What motivates the speaker's mother to 'graciously [thank] the unknown benefactor'?
Which cultural clash influences the motivations for Lindo Jong's actions?
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What is conflict?
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Why does character motivation matter?
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What are the two main types of conflicts in literature?
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When the narrator bites back her tongue, what two forces are struggling?
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Which character from the short story 'Rules of the Game' by Amy Tan is motivated by a desire to help his or her children be successful in life?
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What is the primary conflict occurring in this excerpt?
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Which character from the short story 'Rules of the Game' by Amy Tan is motivated by a desire to master 'invisible strength' in life and in chess?
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Which character's motivation propels the rising action in the short story 'Rules of the Game' by Amy Tan?
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Which aspect of Chinese culture is similar to the way that Lindo Jong expects her children to learn?
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Which theme is supported best by Waverly 'Meimei' Jong's actions in 'Rules of the Game'?
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Which theme is supported best by Lindo Jong's actions in 'Rules of the Game'?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan
- Conflict Types: Internal conflict (struggles within a character) and external conflict (struggles against outside forces) are essential in literature.
- Character Motivations: Characters in the story are driven by cultural expectations and personal desires, influencing their actions throughout the narrative.
Characters and Their Roles
- Waverly "Meimei" Jong: The protagonist, whose journey involves navigating the complexities of her Chinese heritage and her passion for chess.
- Lindo Jong: Meimei’s mother, who embodies the cultural clash between American and Chinese values and wants to instill "invisible strength" in her children.
- Vincent Jong: Meimei's brother, indirectly influenced by family dynamics.
- Lau Po: A chess coach who impacts Meimei's understanding of the game and strategy.
Themes and Cultural Elements
- Cultural Clash: The contrast between American culture (individualism) and Chinese culture (collectivism) shapes characters' motivations and interactions.
- Invisible Strength: A recurrent theme, illustrating the importance of subtlety and strategy over overt aggression, particularly in relationships and competition.
Chess as a Metaphor
- Chess symbolizes life’s challenges and strategic thinking, reflecting the tactical approach Meimei learns from both her experiences and chess matches.
Significant Quotes and Examples
- "Strongest wind cannot be seen": Signifies unseen influences and the power of quiet strength within relationships.
- The imagery of the chess game allows readers to comprehend the stakes involved in Meimei's personal and familial conflicts.
Key Plot Points
- Meimei's love for chess leads to conflicts with her mother, highlighting the generational gap in understanding ambition and identity.
- The relationship dynamics in Meimei's family reveal the tension between pride and cultural expectations, ultimately shaping her independence.
Learnings and Consequences
- Through Meimei’s experiences, themes of strategy in both chess and family dynamics emerge, illustrating that emotional responses can obscure personal agency.
- Lindo Jong's actions demonstrate that silence can carry more weight than words, impacting interpersonal communication within the story.
Character Conflicts
- Internal conflicts arise as Meimei grapples with her dual identity and her mother's expectations, while external conflicts manifest in her chess matches and familial interactions.
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Description
Test your understanding of Amy Tan's short story 'Rules of the Game' with these flashcards. Each card presents key concepts and definitions to help you grasp the main themes and characters in the narrative.
