The narrative unfolds in San Francisco's Chinatown, a vibrant Asian enclave and one of the many culturally rich areas in the United States. Investigate the nearest major city to your location and identify at least three distinct cultural communities within that region. How do these communities differ from your own? In what ways are they similar?

Though the rise of communism in China in 1949 isn't deeply explored in this story, the broader work, The Joy Luck Club, centers on the experiences of four Chinese women who escaped communism and emigrated to the United States, a common occurrence at the time. Research this tumultuous period in China and compose a journal entry from the perspective of a man fleeing China during the same era. How might this man's experiences differ from those of the women?

Waverly Jong's primary talent in this story is playing chess. Investigate the history of chess, including its origins and when it began to be played in the United States.

Chess sets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from inexpensive, mass-produced plastic sets to unique, handcrafted sets made from materials like marble or other exotic substances. Limited-edition chess sets often feature a theme, which can be historical, such as World War II, or pop cultural, like characters from a television show. Considering the story's major themes and historical background, design a sample chess set. Use any medium you prefer to present your ideas, such as drawing, painting, or sculpture.