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How does Waverly's talent lead to her special treatment?
Quick answer:
Waverly's exceptional chess talent leads to special treatment from her family. After winning significant tournaments, her mother exempts her from chores, assigning them to her brothers instead. Waverly's mother justifies this by emphasizing the importance of Waverly's chess success. Additionally, Waverly gets a quiet space for practice by having her brothers sleep in the living room and can leave family dinners early. The only obligation she retains is accompanying her mother to the market.
As Waverly develops into an extremely talented chess player, she begins winning more and more chess tournaments and is recognized as a prodigy in her community. After winning an important regional chess tournament, Waverly's mother decides that she no longer has to do dishes, and Waverly is excused from doing her typical chores. Waverly's brothers are required to complete her chores, and they complain about their sister's special treatment. Waverly's mother justifies her decision to allow Waverly to skip her chores by telling her sons,
"Is new American rules...Meimei play, squeeze all her brains out for win chess. You play, worth squeeze towel" (Tan, 4).
When Waverly finds it difficult to concentrate in her shared bedroom while practicing at home, Waverly's mother makes her sons sleep in the living room in order give Waverly more space and a silent atmosphere. Waverly also mentions that she is allowed to excuse herself from family dinners without finishing her food. The only duty that Waverly cannot avoid is accompanying her mother to the local Chinese market every Saturday, where her mother shows her off.
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