Characters
The narrator and the protagonist of the story.
Who is Waverly Jong?
“Is luck.”
What does Mrs. Jong say when people ask how Waverly wins at chess?
This game represents strategy, power, and control in the story.
What is chess?
Chess
The strategic board game Waverly masters?
Meimei, "little sister".
What is the Chinese nickname Waverly’s family calls her?
"Blow from the South"
What are the secrets Waverly hears from the wind to help her plan her chess moves?
Mrs. Jong’s advice about winning without showing weakness.
What is "the art of invisible strength"?
Waverly gets this when her brother receives a chess set as a Christmas present.
How does Waverly get a chessboard?
This is Waverly’s strict but proud mother.
Who is Mrs. Jong?
"Boy, are you in trouble."
What does Vincent say when Waverly returns?
The conflict between Chinese traditions and American life.
What theme is shown through the tension between Waverly’s life and her mother’s traditions?
Waverly uses them as replacements for the missing chess pieces.
What are "Life Savers"?
Mr. Lau Po
Who teaches Waverly how to play chess in the park?
“So shame be with mother?”
What does Mrs. Jong say after Waverly tells her not to show her off in the market?
The immigrant experience of learning the rules of American society.
What does Mrs. Jong’s idea of “American rules” symbolize?
Waverly becomes famous because she wins many of these.
What are chess tournaments?
Vincent and Winston
Who are Waverly Jong's brothers?
“I closed my eyes and pondered my next move.”
What does Waverly say at the end of the story when she imagines a chess match with her mother?
An ending that leaves some questions or conflicts unresolved (for example, Waverly’s next move with her mother).
What is an open ending?
Her mother showing her off and bragging about her success.
Why does Waverly run away after arguing with her mother?