Rules of the Game Presentation

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Rules of the Game by Amy Tan

Bas v.M., Bas v.T., Dylan, Tim

Content

Author

Characters

Short Summary

Narrator

CITO Questions

Themes

Chess Puzzle!

Amy Tan

February 19, 1952

Immigrant from China

Freelancer

''The Joy Luck Club''

Her own experiences

Characters

Waverly Jong (MeiMei)

Lindo Jong (MeiMei's mother)

Vincent & Winston Jong (MeiMei's brothers)

Lau Po (old man who teaches chess)

Setting

Short Summary

Narrator

Themes

The Importance of Strategy

The Mother-Daughter Relationship

Cultural Identity

The Power of Language

The Importance of Strategy

One of the key themes of 'Rules of the Game' is the importance of strategy. Waverly's success as a chess player is not just due to her natural talent, but also her ability to think several moves ahead and anticipate her opponent's next move.

This theme is mirrored in the larger context of the story, where Waverly's mother is constantly strategizing and scheming to get what she wants, whether it's a better apartment or a more prestigious social standing.

The Mother-Daughter Relationship

Another important theme in 'Rules of the Game' is the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. Waverly's mother is both supportive of her daughter's talents and fiercely competitive, pushing Waverly to be the best at everything she does.

At the same time, Waverly struggles to assert her independence and establish her own identity outside of her mother's expectations. This tension between love and control is a common theme in many of Amy Tan's works.

Cultural Identity

As a Chinese-American writer, Amy Tan often explores themes of cultural identity and the challenges of straddling two different worlds. In 'Rules of the Game,' we see this through Waverly's experiences growing up in Chinatown and trying to fit in with her American classmates.

At the same time, Waverly is also grappling with the expectations of her traditional Chinese family, who value obedience and respect for authority above all else. This tension between East and West is something that many immigrants and their children can relate to.

The Power of Language

Throughout 'Rules of the Game,' language plays a powerful role in shaping the characters' identities and relationships. Waverly's mother uses language to manipulate and control her daughter, while Waverly herself learns to use language as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.

This theme is especially relevant given Amy Tan's own experiences growing up as the child of Chinese immigrants. As a writer, she has used language to explore her own cultural heritage and bridge the gap between different communities.

Daily Chess Puzzle!!!

Conclusion

In 'Rules of the Game,' Amy Tan weaves together themes of strategy, mother-daughter relationships, cultural identity, and the power of language to create a rich and complex portrait of life in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Through the character of Waverly Jong, Tan explores the challenges of growing up between two cultures, while also celebrating the resilience and creativity of immigrant communities. Her message is one of hope and possibility, even in the face of adversity.

Characters

Waverly Jong (MeiMei)

Lindo Jong (MeiMei's mother)

Vincent Jong (MeiMei's brother)

Lau Po (old man who teaches chess)