Characters
The protagonist of the story
Who is Waverly/Meimei Jong?
The city where the story takes place
What is San Francisco?
victorious, conquering
What are synonyms for triumphant?
a fight for control
What is a power struggle?
grand master
What is the highest rank/title that a chess player can attain? (except for World Champion)
The antagonist of the story
Who is Mrs. Jong?
Chinatown, San Francisco
In which neighborhood does the Jong family live?
to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly, to grant as a right or privilege
What does to concede (making a concession) mean?
Cultural/generational conflicts, tradition vs freedom, identity, mother-daughter relationship
What are some of the themes of the story?
a form of torment/agony in which a person is restrained and subjected to repetitive drips of water on the forehead
What is Chinese (water) torture?
The old man who taught Meimei more about chess.
Who is Lau Po?
17.03.1951
What is Meimei's birthdate?
causing a feeling of self-conscious confusion and distress
What does 'embarrassing' mean?
salted plums, Life Savers, chess victories, exemption from chores, playing in local, regional, national tournaments
What does Meimei get by using invisible strength?
The story's author
Who is Amy Tan?
He received the chess set.
Who is Vincent Jong?
California
In which US state does the story take place?
proper manners, conduct (within a certain social context)
What is etuiqette?
a method of getting someone to do what one wants by pretending not to want it or by pretending to want something else
What is reverse psychology?
a strategy for winning arguments, respect from others. etc.
What is invisible strength?
Who is Bobby Fischer?
The neighborhood Tao society
Which organization gives Meimei a new plastic chess set?
to weigh in the mind, to reflect on
What does 'to ponder' mean?
The climax of the story
What is the scene at the market, basically?
The story is a chapter in this novel.
What is The Joy Luck Club?