Plot Structure
Where does most of the story take place?
Chinatown in San Francisco
Who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist?
Waverly (pro.) and mom (ant.)
What is the effect of the smell imagery in paragraph 5?
Creates a warm and cozy feeling.
Why is the title of this story effective?
When does the story take place?
In the late 1950s and early 1960s
"I was seven according to the American formula and eight by the Chinese calendar." What do we indirectly understand about Waverly?
she is part of both worlds, and is confused by how they interact within her
What is the author's intended effect of the visual imagery of the alley?
Reminds us of the traditional Chinese way of life.
What is the crisis moment?
"Why do you have to use me to show off? If you want to show off, then why don't you learn to play chess?"
"Vincent got the chess set, which would have been a very decent present to get at a church Christmas part, except it was obviously used." What does this quote tell us about the community around Waverly?
The white community pities the Chinese community.
What is the effect of the simile in the fourth paragraph on page 9?
The visual imagery makes the home seem unsafe and dangerous.
What is the inciting incident?
"My older brother Vincent was the one who actually go the chess set."
"Every time people come out from foreign country, must know rules. You not know, judge says, Too bad, go back. They not telling you why so you can use their way go forward." What is revealed about Waverly's mom?
She struggles with the language and with the new culture.
What is the effect of the imagery of dinner on page 9?
There is now a distance between Waverly and her family.
What is the resolution for the characters?
There really isn't one.
What does Waverly's strategy for selecting gifts reveal about her?
She is observant and cunning.
What is the effect of the wind imagery throughout the story?
It connects to mom's advice at the beginning but also creates chaos around Waverly's growing up.