Literary Devices
“She made me see white where there once was black” is an example of this literary device
What is a metaphor?
This young boy died in a car crash at the age of 16.
Who is Winston, Lindo's son?
In "Double Face," this theme emphasizes the emotional turmoil of being torn between traditional family values and personal desires.
What is identity crisis?
Lindo Jong says “I told my daughter to blow from the North, South, East and West. The other person becomes confused” (Pg 187 Tan). In this quote she is explaining this type of defense method.
What is the defense method where you attack from all sides to confuse your opponents?
The mink coat symbolizes this between Rich and Waverly
What is their love / their bond as boyfriend and girlfriend
"The house stood there, silent and dark, as if it were waiting for something" is an example of this literary device.
What is personification?
Waverly stopped playing chess suddenly at this age.
What is fourteen?
This theme in "Double Face" explores the conflict between one's cultural identity and the expectations placed upon them by their heritage.
What is cultural conflict?
Lindo tells Waverly that the people in this clan in Taiyuan are smart, strong, tricky and known for winning wars.
What is the Sun Clan?
Waverly says that having these things on your face symbolizes your good luck
What are freckles
Lindo Jong used this vehicle of transportation to come to the United States from China.
What is a plane?
In "Four Directions" this theme highlights Waverly's internal conflict with her mother.
What are mother/daughter relationships?
Lindo’s mother told her “You have my ears, a big thick lobe lot’s of meat at the bottom.” (Pg 291, Tan) Having these types of ears carry lots of blessings
What are big ear lobes?
Waverly’s dirty apartment is meant to symbolize this to her mother
What is the life the Waverly and Rich have together/her relationship
Suyuan pushes her daughter to succeed, believing that achieving great things in America will bring her happiness, but Jing-mei's resentment of these expectations causes her to reject the opportunities her mother provides. This relationship is an example of this literary device.
What is irony?
After not speaking to her mother due to a fight over chess, Waverly did this to win her mother back.
What is a high fever that developed into chicken pox?
Having this certain type of nose will bring you misfortune.
What is a "crooked" nose?
Lindo cooking for her family represents this
What are her feelings of love/pride/power
Jing-mei’s carefree American childhood against her mother’s rigid Chinese upbringing shows the cultural and emotional gap between them. While Suyuan's drive for success is rooted in her own hardships, Jing-mei's desire for freedom and individuality is rooted in her more relaxed American upbringing, using this literary device.
What is juxtaposition?
“A house is not a home when a spouse is not at home” This line is significant because . . .
What is the fortune in a fortune cookie Lindo gave to her future husband?
A chin that is not too long or short determines this.
What is an adequate life span?
Lindo thinks that Waverly bringing her to the hairdresser represents this
What is Waverly’s shame of her mother and her Chinese heritage