Themes: Mother-Daughter Relationships
“Rules of the Game,” like the novel in which it appears, The Joy Luck Club, is primarily about the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. In this story, Waverly learns from her mother, Lindo, but later sees her as her enemy, an obstacle in her way to achieving success and a sense of herself. Early in the story, when Waverly is only six years old, Lindo instructs her in various lessons, the most prominent being “the art of invisible strength.” Lindo herself is a master of this art, and Waverly will become quite proficient herself; the problem is that both mother and daughter will have to fight battles against one another using the same skill set, and the mother has more experience. The “game” referred to in the story’s title refers both to the game of chess that is the story’s purported focus and the game that is navigating mother-daughter relationships.
Lindo is clearly a good caretaker and concerned parent. She wants her children to be successful and have opportunities; she and her husband immigrated to the United States in part for that very reason. Waverly admits that her “bowl was always full, three five-course meals every day.” Lindo wants to protect her children, warning them against running into the street, for example. When Waverly is young, she knows how to push her mother’s buttons because she knows her mother’s strong opinions. She brings up the question “What is Chinese torture?” just to get a reaction out of Lindo, who also seems to know what her daughter is doing but does not let it show. Waverly and Lindo know each other very well, and they are ultimately very similar people. However, as a young girl growing up, Waverly wants to assert a sense of self apart from Lindo or anyone else. Despite her mother’s obvious support of and pride in Waverly’s chess prowess, Waverly rebels against her mother. She becomes increasingly irritated by Lindo’s involvement and especially by her parading Waverly around the neighborhood to show her off.
In the story’s climax, mother and daughter each attempt to get a reaction from the other. Waverly expects her mother to apologize or feel guilty for making Waverly uncomfortable, and she especially expects Lindo to express profound relief when her daughter returns home after running from her in the street. However, Lindo upends those expectations by simply saying, “We not concerning this girl. This girl not have concerning for us.” She is punishing Waverly for her rebellion by not giving her the attention she desires. Lindo, on the other hand, expects her daughter to come back when she screams her nickname—“Meimei!”—in an effort to draw Waverly back. Instead, Waverly keeps running, hoping to punish her mother with worry about her whereabouts. They are each strategizing about the outcome and attempting to control it. Lindo wins this round, as Waverly goes up to her room feeling defeated, seeing her mother as her “opponent” on the other side of an imaginary chessboard. Lindo “[wears] a triumphant smile” in this vision, as her pieces “[advance] across the plane” and force Waverly’s to scream and fall off the board. Waverly feels “alone” but then begins to “ponder [her] next move.” She understands that her mother has bested her but also that this back-and-forth conflict between them will continue. Through their metaphorical chess game, Tan depicts mother-daughter relationships as defined by both love and good intentions, and tension and endless battles of will.
Expert Q&A
What does the concept of "invisible strength" mean in the story "Rules of the Game"? Do you agree with this idea? Provide a real-world example.
In "Rules of the Game," Waverly discusses "invisible strength," and her mother says, "Strongest wind cannot be seen."
In "Rules of the Game," the “invisible strength” and “the strongest wind” refer to the patience and insight that are essential for a person to strategize and defer gratification. At a very early age, Waverly learns from her mother that an effective way to get what she wants is to evaluate her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses while concealing her own. This type of strategic thinking could be applied in a sport such as baseball or any competitive area of life.
How is Meimei's relationship with her mother similar to a chess game?
Meimei's relationship with her mother in "Rules of the Game" is similar to a chess game due to their constant strategic power struggle. Meimei's mother, symbolized as the queen in chess, holds significant control, while Meimei, like a pawn, has limited moves. However, as Meimei gains confidence from chess, she attempts to assert dominance, paralleling the tactical maneuvers in a chess match.
What is the "invisible strength" Waverly learns from her mother in "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan, and how does it help her at chess?
The invisible strength Waverly learns from her mother is to keep calm and reserved in the face of opposition, concentrating and revealing nothing to her chess opponents. She realizes that this tactic helps her hide her intention from her opponents, who will instead reveal things to her.
What are MeiMei and her mother arguing about in "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan?
MeiMei and her mother argue because MeiMei feels embarrassed and used when her mother introduces her to everyone at the market. This conflict reflects deeper issues, as MeiMei resents her mother's high expectations and controlling behavior, which stifles her. The argument is not just about the market routine but also about the broader struggle over whose desires will dominate MeiMei's life.
What is the nature of Waverly's relationship with her mother?
Waverly's relationship with her mother is complex, characterized by admiration and frustration. She appreciates her mother's support and wisdom, especially in chess, but resents her controlling nature and tendency to show her off. As Waverly matures, she seeks independence, causing tension between maintaining familial bonds and asserting her own identity. This dynamic illustrates a polarizing relationship where Waverly feels both connected to and distanced from her mother.
Why did Waverly's mother push her to succeed in "Rules of the Game"/The Joy Luck Club?
Waverly’s mother pushes her to succeed because she wants a better life for her daughter than she had. Lindo Jong’s difficult childhood in China, including an arranged marriage and harsh living conditions, shaped her stern demeanor. She teaches Waverly “invisible strength” to rise above their circumstances, but her relentless drive reflects her own past struggles and desire for Waverly to achieve more.
In "Rules of the Game," what did Meimei learn from her mother at age six?
At age six, Meimei learned the art of "invisible strength" from her mother, a concept emphasizing patience, strategy, and subtlety over direct confrontation. This skill helped Meimei excel in chess by mastering strategies and planning for all eventualities. It also taught her the importance of knowledge and discretion in personal relationships. The principle of "invisible strength" became a crucial tool for navigating challenges, leading Meimei to become a national chess champion by age nine.
What does Meimei's mother mean by "Is shame you fall when nobody push you" in "Rules of the Game"?
Meimei's mother's phrase "Is shame you fall when nobody push you" implies that giving up without trying is cowardly. In "Rules of the Game," this reflects the cultural emphasis on family honor and courage. Waverly hesitates to compete in chess tournaments due to fear of losing, but her mother encourages her to face challenges bravely, embodying the "art of invisible strength"—a strategy for gaining respect and achieving success.
How do Mrs. Jong's privileges for Waverly affect their mother-daughter relationship?
Mrs. Jong's privileges for Waverly, such as excusing her from chores, demonstrate her support and pride in Waverly's chess success. However, these privileges come with strings attached, altering their relationship. Mrs. Jong's constant presence and public bragging about Waverly's achievements lead to tension and a confrontation, causing Waverly to run away. The story ends without resolution, highlighting the need for a new understanding between mother and daughter.
What advice does Waverley's mother give her about understanding important actions in "Rules of the Game"?
Waverley's mother advises her that understanding the rules, whether in chess or life, is crucial for success. In "Rules of the Game," she equates the rules of chess with those of adapting to life in America, emphasizing that one must learn these rules independently, as authorities won't explain them. By mastering these rules, like Waverly does in chess, one can navigate challenges and gain advantages, reflecting the immigrant experience of adjusting to a new culture.
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