Joy Luck Club Quotes
Who says: “I looked in the mirror. . . . I was strong. I was pure. I had genuine thoughts inside that no one could see, that no one could ever take away from me. I was like the wind. . . But underneath the scarf I still knew who I was. I made a promise to myself: I would always remember my parents' wishes, but I would never forget myself.”
Who is Lindo?
This represents something that is not true.
What is the pearl/glass necklace Second wife gives to An-mei?
This is what Harold doesn't know about Lena that upsets Ying-ying so much.
Who says: "I shrieked with delight at my shadow’s own cleverness. I ran to the shade under the tree, watching my shadow chase me. It disappeared. I loved my shadow, this dark side of me that had my same restless nature.”
Who is Ying-ying?
This is what the wind symbolizes for both Waverly and Lindo.
What is strength?
This is the quality that An-Mei and her husband had until the day that Bing dies; it was the confidence that led her to jump in the ocean even though she could not swim and to drive to the beach even though she could not drive.
What is nengkan?
Who says: “‘At first I thought it was because I was raised with all this Chinese humility,’ ...‘Or that maybe it was because when you’re Chinese you’re supposed to accept everything, flow with the Tao and not make waves. But my therapist said, “Why do you blame your culture, your ethnicity?”"
Who is Rose?
This symbolizes the love that Suyuan has for Jing-Mei.
This is why Waverly is afraid to go to China on her honeymoon with Rich.
What is she is afraid she will blend in so well that she won't be allowed to return to America?
This is why Suyuan tells Jing Mei, "Why you want to follow behind her (Waverly), chasing her words? She is like this crab. Always walking sideways, moving crooked."
What is Jing-mei should be independent, moving on a straight path in life without trying to follow others?
Who says: “She learned these things, but I couldn’t teach her about Chinese character. How to obey your parents and listen to your mother’s mind. How not to show your own thoughts, to put your feelings behind your face so you can take advantage of hidden opportunities. Why easy things are not worth pursuing. How to know your own worth and polish it, never flashing it around like a cheap ring. Why Chinese thinking is best.”
Who is Lindo?
This is what the piano sheet music represents in Suyuan and Jing-Mei's story.
What is June's stubbornness? She always thought the song was called "Pleading Child", which is what she was, but she got in her own way and never got to the second half called "Perfectly Contented".
Who says: “The minute our train leaves the Hong Kong border and enters Shenzhen, China, I feel different. I can feel the skin on my forehead tingling, my blood rushing through a new course, my bones aching with a familiar old pain. And I think, ‘My mother was right. I am becoming Chinese.’”
Who is June?