The Joy Luck Club Study Guide

The Feathers From a Thousand Li Away opens in which type of mood?

The Feathers From a Thousand Li Away opens in which type of mood?

The woman is searching for a life that is different from her own, thus the novel begins on a hopeful note. She wants more for her daughter than she had. The mood changes somewhat when the woman arrives, and her swan is taken away. Yet, she remains hopeful that she will accomplish her goal, signified by her retaining the swan feather to give to her daughter. Unfortunately, we feel that the woman did not achieves her goal—perhaps she waited too long for just the right moment, because the passage ends with her as an old woman, still waiting.

What is the purpose of Feathers From a Thousand Li Away to the novel?

The short opening serves to establish the story-telling style of the novel. It also serves to introduce the reader to the mother-daughter dynamics portrayed in the story. "Jing-Mei Woo: The Joy Luck Club"

What purpose does the First Chinese Baptist Church serve for the Woos, Hsus, Jongs, and St. Clairs?

The church is an area of common ground for the families. It serves to assist them with their immigrant identity and give them a sense of familiarity with their native China.

Why would Suyuan Woo not tell the whole story of her life in China to her daughter when she was younger?

Suyuan's story was not a pleasant, happy one. The end is unpleasant and perhaps something that Suyuan was not ready to relive. She may also have felt that June was not yet ready to hear the full truth.

What evidence can the reader find of prejudice in Suyuan's story?

Suyuan speaks of traveling to live in the city of Kweilin and what it was like being mixed up as a "city of leftovers." She describes the city dwellers as looking down on someone else, even though they too were suffering. She hated the Americans who spoke to her disrespectfully and felt that the northern peasants had dirty diseases and were pushy.

What irony can be seen in the establishment of the original Joy Luck Club?

The women who were in the original Joy Luck Club were poor and had little food and poorer prospects. They did not know what would happen to them or their families. They were surrounded by the smell of sewer and screams that split the night; they lived in almost constant fear of the bombs. There was no Joy and seemingly no Luck in their circumstances.

What can be intimated about Suyuan's personality from the following quotation: "But to despair was to wish back for something already lost or prolong what was already unbearable."

Suyuan does not dwell in the past. She lives for the present and hopes for a future that will be better.

When Suyuan would not speak of the babies, except to say, "You are not those babies," what does one assume?

It is implied that the babies are dead. Even if not dead, something terrible has happened to them which Suyuan does not want to speak of.

What does this quotation show about June and her mother? "These clothes were too fancy for real Chinese people, I thought, and too strange for American parties."

The cultural obstacles that prevented June and her mother from understanding each other occurred early in their life. June had misconceptions about her mother and her friends, but had no way to clear them up, other than to construct a falsehood in her mind to explain that which she did not understand.

In present time, how does June remember her mother while at the Joy Luck Club?

June recalls her mother criticizing everyone and everything. Nothing seemed good enough to her mother.

What characteristic is revealed about Auntie Lin when she chatters about her family still in China?

It seems that Auntie Lin is bragging when she speaks of her family. She wants to show her own importance and seems to disregard the feelings of the others in the group, despite the fact they have been friends for a long time.

What is the overall feeling of June's relationship with her mother based on the memories she shares in this chapter?

June reveals that she feels she was a disappointment to her mother.

What does June's trip to China symbolize to the mothers?

June's trip is a symbol of the mothers' relationships with their own daughters. If June can complete the trip her mother wanted to take, and complete the task her mother had left unfinished, then they can still pass on their meaning, culture, and hopes to their daughters. June's completion of this task means that the mothers still have a chance and are not failures.

An-mei calls her mother a "ghost." What does this reveal about her mother?

An-mei speaks of her mother as a ghost and indicates that from an early age she was not supposed to acknowledge her mother's existence, even though An-mei knew her mother was very much alive. This indicates that her mother must somehow have disgraced the family.

In what ways did Popo declare her love for the children and why is this ironic?

At times, Popo would make declarations about An-mei and her brother such as they fell out of the "bowels of a stupid goose, two eggs that nobody wanted, not even good enough to crack over rice porridge." An-mei remembers that this was to chase the ghosts away that stole children, so Popo must have loved them. This is ironic because these are insults. Insults would not encourage small children to feel love. Understanding of the purpose of these insults would have to come with age and experience, or perhaps not at all.

How could one describe the way in which An-mei was raised by her mother's family?

The tone of the chapter and the details revealed indicate that An-mei was raised in fear. Popo regaled her with stories about how greedy girls would have winter melons growing in them, and those who did not listen would have their brains leak from their heads. She was also warned not to speak of her mother, and she watched as her aunt spoke terribly to her brother about their mother. An-mei lived in fear of her behavior and the repercussions of said behavior.

In what way does Popo help An-mei heal after she is scarred by the scalding soup?

Popo takes care of An-mei after her mother leaves, pouring water over her wound as she speaks to her of death. She scares An-mei by speaking of An-mei's death not being important enough to grieve over and finally tells An-mei that even her mother has left because she had used up her tears over so short a life. She scares An-mei by saying that her mother will forget her easily.

An-mei's mother does return to Popo's death bed, and An-mei witnesses her mother's slicing her arm and putting it in a healing soup. What does this signify about the nature of a mother-daughter relationship?

Popo and An-mei's uncle and aunt have treated her mother very poorly every time she has returned home. They speak poorly of her and refuse to accept her expressions of remorse. Despite all of this, An-mei witnesses her mother's one last gesture to honor her mother. Despite everything that has happened, An-mei's mother is obviously saddened by her mother's sickness and imminent death.

What is the significant difference Lindo sees between American ways and Chinese ways?

Lindo's experience has taught her that Americans promise, but then renege on their promises. Americans promise with a value of something that is truly not valuable but Chinese know the true worth of something. Also, Lindo sees that Americans may say what they want to get what they desire. Their words are essentially meaningless.

In what way is a female baby valuable in China?

A female baby gains value in relation to her promises of a worthy marriage. Her family holds value in what she can bring to the family from an advantageous marriage arrangement.

What characteristics of Lindo's future husband make him undesirable to her?

Lindo does not have much interaction with her husband before her marriage. However, during the times she is around him, she sees him cry like a small child when he does not get his way. She sees him sit on his grandmother's lap, despite his age and the obvious discomfort his weight causes the grandmother. She also watches him turn his nose up to food that is offered no matter what it is. In short, he is spoiled.

What details from the story suggest that Lindo has no control over her destiny?

Lindo's life was chosen for her at an early age. Her marriage was arranged when she was still a toddler. She could not get out of the arrangement even if it was disagreeable to her, because to do so would bring disgrace to her family, and she could not do this. Later, she is forced to leave her natural family due to floods that destroy her home. She is made to travel to the home of her future husband, where she must obey her new mother-in-law, even when she is asked to complete tasks that usually servants do. Lindo has to do all of these things and keep a smile on her face as though this were what she desired in life and knew she was lucky to have what she did.

In what ways is Lindo like the wind?

The wind is very powerful. It can do great damage and cause great harm to people and property. Yet, the wind cannot be seen. Lindo is like this as well. She has a strength inside that she must control and keep invisible. She knows she must use her mind and power in an invisible way. She hides her strength until she can use them to her advantage. To display her strength would make her less powerful because then others would be able to plan how to deal with her.

How does the red candle relate to Lindo's feelings about her life?

The red candle is supposed to represent her marriage to Tyan-yu. To Lindo, it represents the lack of control she has in her life. All the decisions are made for her. She tries to take control and be the invisible wind, but she is tricked. The servant and the matchmaker conspire to hide the fact that the candle has gone out in order to protect their own decisions and words. Again, Lindo lacks the control she fights to have in her life.

Why would Lindo be blamed for the fact that no children have been conceived?

Tyan-yu had already been described as spoiled. He would not be blamed for any problems in the marriage. Also, blaming Lindo for the problems with conception would be in standing with the idea that women have less value than men in Chinese society. If it were known that Tyan-yu was making no effort to have a child, he would be disgraced, and that could not be allowed to happen. Therefore, Lindo had to take the blame.

Which characteristic helps Lindo gain her freedom from her marriage?

Lindo possesses a great deal of strength and self-confidence, despite her rearing to be obedient. She learns that she can use her invisible strength and resourcefulness to manipulate the powers that restrain her and cause her unhappiness, without bringing disgrace to her family. By observing and being silent, she is able to use the superstitions of her new family to gain her freedom.

What mood is set by the first four paragraphs of The Moon Lady?

The opening mood of The Moon Lady is depressing and foreboding. Ying-ying begins by saying that she has kept her true nature hidden and that she is lost, unseen, unheard, and unknown. She feels that her daughter is this way as well. This leads one to suspect that their relationship is not a good one and that something bad must have happened in the past for this to occur.

How did Ying-ying fight the expectations for her life?

As a child, Ying-ying remembers that she questioned everything, driving her Amah insane with all her questions. She did not want to stand still, she ran, and dirtied her clothes, and mussed her own hair. She did not always follow directions of the adults, or if she did, she quickly did what she wanted to.

What is the implication of Ying-ying's referring to her sisters as Number Two and Number Three?

In Chinese culture, men were able to have a "first wife" then wives after that who were named by the order in which they arrived in the family. These women were really concubines through which the man tried to increase his chances of having a male heir. Since Ying-ying did not seem to recall her half-sisters' names, their mother must have had very little status in the family and they held little importance in her life.

Based on the details provided in The Moon Lady, what is the nature of Ying-ying's relationship with Amah?

Amah cares for the daily aspects of Ying-ying's life. Ying-ying does not listen well to her and torments Amah by trying to fall off the chair as her hair is being combed. Amah has given up her own children to care for Ying-ying, indicating that she does care a great deal for her. However, Ying-ying sees Amah as a convenience. She pays little thought to her unless she is needed and cannot be found.

How do the fishermen know that Ying-ying is not a beggar from the streets?

Ying-ying's feet are too soft and her skin is too pale to indicate that she has anything but a life of luxury.

What does the Moon Lady's story indicate about women in Chinese society?

The Moon Lady tells the story of her husband and how he saved the world with an arrow which destroyed nine suns. His gift for doing this act was a peach of everlasting life. The Moon Lady eats the peach as soon as her husband leaves, and she has to rise to the moon away from him forever. The story indicates that women have to rely on men to temper their desires and men have the mind to make the appropriate decisions for women. Women cannot be trusted to do what is right without a man to guide them. The story reinforces the idea that the status of women is lower than men.

What does this quotation imply about life and human nature? "But now I am old, moving every year closer to the end of my life, I also feel closer to the beginning. And I remember everything that happened that day because it has happened many times in my life. The same innocence, trust, restlessness, the wonder, fear, and loneliness. How I lost myself."

The quotation implies that Ying-ying continued to experience many of the same feelings throughout her life and that she made many of the same mistakes. It implies that humans are doomed to repeat the mistakes they make in life over and over.

What is the purpose of the short opening to The Twenty-Six Malignant Gates?

The story tells of a daughter who wants to ride her bicycle where her mother cannot see her. She does not want to listen to her mother when her mother says, "no," and she wants to know why she should obey. When her mother replies it is in a book written in Chinese that the daughter is protected from evil as long as she is near the house, the daughter becomes angry and shouts at her mother about her ignorance and rides away anyway—resulting in a minor bike accident. This short story shows the differences that exist in cultures and beliefs. The daughter has been raised in an entirely different culture, one in which she wants proof for the things which she is asked to believe. The mother expects obedience simply because she is the mother. Some of the differences in expectation may be from the difference in age between the two people. However, the cultural obstacles that need to be tackled in order to bring an understanding between the two are difficult to tackle, and the mother seems resistant to teaching her daughter. She expects blind obedience as she was taught.

In what way did Lindo's childhood affect Waverly?

Lindo learned at a young age that the best way to get what you want is to stay silent, watch, and wait for an opportunity which can be manipulated to your advantage. She tried to teach Waverly the same thing. She was teaching her obedience, and expectations while telling her that she can have a mind of her own as well, as long as she does not show her strength.

Why would Waverly not know that their family was poor?

Waverly was used to her surroundings and was familiar with those in the neighborhood. She remembers that they always had food and this is an important distinction between the well-off and the poor. Her life was similar to the others in the neighborhood, therefore she had no frame of reference.

What signs of prejudice can be seen in the opening paragraphs of Waverly's story?

The Chinese neighborhood in which Waverly lived was a strong reflection of the home many of the inhabitants left. It reflected their ideals and culture in many ways. Thus, evidence of prejudice against Americans is everywhere. The fish store has a sign printed in English to warn that the turtles and animals found in the store are food, not pets, a clear illustration of cultural differences and misunderstanding that often result in bias. Hong Sing's restaurant's menu is printed only in Chinese, not English, apparently to discourage tourists from dining there. An example of American prejudice is the tourist who wants to snap photographs of the little Chinese girls in front of the restaurant with whole ducks hanging in the window. He not only considers the Chinese food an oddity, but he speaks to the children in a condescending manner.

Why was Waverly confused by a seemingly easy question about her birthday?

Because a child's birthday and age are reckoned differently in the Chinese and Western calendars, Waverly is not certain which "version" of her birthday she is being asked to provide.

What does the way in which Waverly chooses her present tell us about her?

Waverly spends some time observing others and seeing that not all of the gifts are good ones. So she waits and comes up with a plan. Once she gets to choose, she takes her time, feeling the presents and trying to guess at their contents, although she does this quickly so that it does not seem that this is what she is doing. Her present choosing gives reader the indication that she is shrewd.

What can one assume about Lindo's immigration experience, based on her ideas of chess rules?

Lindo compares chess with life and realizes that, just as one must figure out the "rules" for herself in life, Waverly will have to figure out the rules of chess. Lindo must have experienced some difficulties immigrating to America because she mistakenly states that, if one violates the rules of chess—a game—she will be "sent back," deported back to her native land.

How did Waverly use chess skill with her mother?

Waverly was able to apply what her mother had taught her and her skills at strategizing in chess to plan a silent attack against her mother. She used manipulation making sure not to show what she truly desired before hand, in order to obtain what she wished. She also used her mother's vanity and pride with the threat of shame to the family for losing, although she knew that she was good at chess so this was unlikely. The thought of the prestige Waverly would bring to the family was too great for her mother to ignore.

How does Lindo's ignorance of chess affect Waverly?

Lindo sees success in numbers, counting the number of pieces that Waverly looses in a game rather than looking at the final result. When Waverly looses fewer pieces, Lindo is proud and feels she has contributed to Waverly's success. However, this only serves to annoy Waverly. She tries to explain to her mother the rules, but is unable to break down the barrier to understanding.

How does Lindo use Waverly?

After Waverly becomes chess champion, she has to travel to the market with her mother on Saturdays. There, Lindo would visit shops and announce that this was her daughter, Waverly Jong, knowing the patrons would recognize the chess champion of little Chinatown. Lindo used Waverly to show-off and gain prestige.

Why did Lindo not discipline Waverly in an open and strict way when she returned home following the incident in the market?

Lindo did not believe in showing her strength for all to see. She knew that a better way to achieve her goals was to use her invisible strength and patience, even with her daughter.

Why did Lena search for answers to questions?

Lena was terrified of the unknown. This was the scariest threat she could imagine- not knowing what was to come. Thus, she searched for the answers so that she could know.

How did Lena's mother establish control?

Ying-ying used fear to control Lena. She told stories of men who would attack her and hurt her.

How does Lena rationalize her fear of everything?

Lena makes herself believe that her fears are from her Chinese self. Lena sees herself as pieces from a Chinese side and American side, brought together by her parents. The fears must be part of her Chinese side because the other American children did not seem to have these same fears.

It seems that many of the fearful stories Ying-ying tells Lena involve children and child bearing in some way. What does this imply?

Ying-ying's stories, used to control Lena, usually mention childbirth in some form: The man in the basement will plant five babies in her and then eat all of them; a woman on the street who was obviously sick had met a bad man and had a baby she did not want; a man can grab Lena off the street and make her have a baby that she would kill and stuff in a garbage can. In all of the stories, the implication is that having babies is a punishment, or something that is forced on the unwilling mother. This could clearly imply that Lena may not have been a "wanted" child, that Ying-ying did not conceive willingly.

How does Lena use her mother's ignorance of the English language and American customs against her?

Lena is an obedient daughter because she translates for her mother. However, when she does not like the message or is embarrassed, she will change the true meaning and make up another translation so her mother does not know the truth. On one occasion she used her mother's ignorance to get something she desired: a metal lunchbox.

Why does Lena see danger coming instead of joy?

Ying-ying begins to see the house and items as out of balance and begins to change the furniture and placement of the accessories to help restore balance. Eventually Lena realizes that really her mother is pregnant. However, Lena is worried because her mother does not acknowledge the baby in any way. Instead, she complains of a heaviness about her, and she bumps into things, suggesting that she is in denial.

What glimpse does Lena get of her mother's past and fear of babies?

When Ying-ying is in the hospital following the birth of her son who died in childbirth, she begins to rant to Lena in Chinese about another child. She seems delirious in her declarations that she killed this child because she had killed one previously as well.

How did Teresa's story help Lena?

Lena had heard the fights between Teresa and her mother through the walls of the apartment and was certain that Teresa was being killed, only to see her the next day on the street. She never could understand until Teresa visited her house and used Lena's window to enter her own bedroom. Lena then heard mother and daughter reconcile and knew that despite the occasional anger, there was still a great deal of love. Lena was able to see that there could be an end to pain and suffering and that eventually the problems with her own mother could be resolved.

Did An-mei truly lose her faith in God? How does the reader know?

An-mei used to carry her Bible back and forth to church. After she lost her faith, she placed the Bible under a table leg in the kitchen. Although this would seem disrespectful and be an indication that she did lose her faith, she always kept the Bible clean during the twenty years it rested under the table.

What characteristics did Rose see in Ted that attracted him to her? Why would they seem appealing?

Ted was brash and outspoken. He was sure of himself and his future and most importantly, he was not from China. Rose was only used to Chinese ways and culture, despite having been raised in America. She saw in Ted all of the desires she had for herself but was not able to achieve.

Why did Rose succumb so easily to Ted's decision making?

It was easier for Rose to let Ted make the decisions since he was so much more sure of himself. Also, Rose compared their relationship to one in a fairy tale. Something in her was drawn to his "hero" nature, and her "damsel in distress" nature appealed to him.

What distinction is made between faith, fate, and hope when Rose begins her story of the beach trip where they lost her little brother?

An-mei believes that faith in God has made the blessings in her family possible. Rose's young ears hear "fate" instead, because her mother could not make the "th" sound. Later, Rose comes to the conclusion that faith helps people believe that they are in control, but really the decision is already made by fate. Hope just allows for the belief that God knows what he is doing and will chose the correct way.

Is Rose's description of her little brothers as "anchors" positive or negative? What does she mean by the comparison?

The "anchor" represents the weight of responsibility. Rose is asked to watch her little brothers while her father goes to fish, and her older sisters travel down the beach to find their own adventure. She is made responsible for her brothers so that she can learn to appreciate her family and what they do for her, having been the "anchor" to her sisters years before. Although Rose recognizes this responsibility, she feels that the weight of the responsibility ties her down and prevents her from seeking adventure and having fun. The comparison is clearly negative.

What was the underlying cause of An-mei's fears, as seen through Rose's perspective?

Rose knows that her mother bases many of her fears for her children on The Twenty-six Malignant Gates, a Chinese book that describes terrible dangers that await children on their Chinese birthday. An-mei has never been able to figure out how the Chinese dates corresponded to the American calendar, thus she worried every day about how to keep her children protected. The underlying cause of her fear is her ignorance of the American culture and the barriers created by not understanding.

Everyone in Rose's family accepts some blame for Bing's death, despite the fact that Rose was supposed to be watching him. What does this tell the reader about her family?

Rose's family were very strong and supportive.

Why does An-mei return to the sea the morning following the accident?

An-mei had a strong faith in God and truly believed that her faith gave her family luck. She wanted to prove her dedication and humble herself before God, hoping that God would forgive her and send Bing back.

What role does faith play in Rose's life?

Rose feels that fate is expectation. Even when you see the signs and ignore them, there is still hope to change. Faith is the hope that you can undo those expectations established by fate.

What is ironic about Suyuan's idea that June must be a "prodigy"?

Suyuan has no evidence to suggest that her daughter is a prodigy at anything; she simply arrives at the conclusion that June is a prodigy. Also, she introduces June to activities almost at random, certainly with no thought to June's interests, talents, or desires, and believes that somehow June will prove to be a prodigy at one of them.

What is so painful for June about her mother's insistence?

June seems willing to "be a prodigy" at first and certainly wants to please her mother and have her mother be proud of her. When it turns out that she is not a prodigy, however, the entire episode becomes just another example of her disappointing her mother.

Why does June resort to acting bored rather than excited about the tests her mother puts her through?

June realizes that her mother will not give up her notion that June can be a child prodigy. She is tired of disappointing her mother. She knows she will never get the answers correct, so she decides that she will be correct in the opposite way: being incorrect and oppositional. At least that she can get right.

What is ambiguous about June's failure to put forth real effort in the parade of activities her mother exposes her to?

On the one hand, Suyuan chooses activities at random, with little or no thought to where June's interests or talents might lie. Therefore, there is no real motivation for June to put forth any effort—except, perhaps, to please her mother. On the other hand, had June really tried, she may have found that actually she enjoyed one or more of the activities. She may have found that she had some talent—even if she wasn't a full-blown prodigy.

How, again, do the Chinese and American cultures collide in this vignette from Jing-Mei Woo: Two Kinds?

The Chinese mother expects absolute obedience from her daughter. If Suyuan says that June is a prodigy, then she is a prodigy. It does not even occur to the mother that she would need to consider her daughter's feelings or desires in the matter. The American daughter, however, has developed a more individual and independent spirit. She does not need to work at anything she does not want to work at.

What difference between American and Chinese culture does this vignette in American Translation illustrate?

Based on the passage, one can see that much of the Chinese culture focuses on omens and bad luck. Placing a piece of furniture or accessory in a certain place has severe implications for the future. Everything one does has meaning and purpose. In America, furniture just goes where it fits and looks best.

In what ways could Lena's mother predict the future?

Ying-ying saw signs everywhere that had serious implications for the future. She could not predict the weather or anything very specific, but her vague predictions seemed to play out in life.

Why did Lena let her relationship progress with Harold the way it did?

Lena insisted that they share expenses of lunches and dinners, and occasionally, she paid for Harold. She felt that she did not deserve Harold and thus had to make it up to him for being with her. She thought that Harold's feelings were more valuable than her own.

What kind of person was Harold?

Harold took advantage of Lena. He played on her weak self-confidence to use her intelligence and ideas but gave her no credit for her contributions to the home or to the work place.

Why are Lena's unspoken excuses—"eliminate false dependencies... be equals... love without obligation"—ironic?

Harold and Lena have created a relationship and life in which each is very dependent on the other for survival. Harold relies on Lena's money to create the life that he desires, making her believe that these are her desires as well. Harold does not treat Lena as an equal, although he expects her to give an equal amount to the relationship. She only owns a small portion of the house so that he has control.

What is Ying-ying really asking when she asks her daughter, "Then why you don't stop it?" at the end of the chapter?

Ying-ying recognizes that her daughter sees the disaster that her marriage is. Ying-ying simply challenges her daughter to take some action to end the inequalities in the marriage.

What makes Waverly's mother so disagreeable to be around in Four Directions?

Lindo complains about most things and criticizes the rest.

What is Waverly's real purpose for taking her mother to her apartment in Four Directions?

Waverly is unable to tell her mother the truth about her relationship with Rich. So she wants her mother to infer it for herself. She takes her to the apartment so that her mother cannot deny that Rich is a part of Waverly's life since his belongings are all over the apartment.

How does Waverly describe her relationship with her mother in Four Directions?

Waverly likens her relationship with her mother as the ultimate chess match. She sees her mother as the opponent, each battling to "one-up" the other.

At ten, Waverly tries to outmaneuver her mother by first yelling at her in public, then declaring that she will not play chess. What is the ultimately the outcome of her rebellion in Four Directions?

Waverly loses her self-confidence. She becomes aware of her weaknesses and thus allows others to see her weaknesses as well. Before, winning the game was inevitable. Now, winning was a relief for which she was grateful. Soon she was not able to beat even those she had easily beaten before.

Waverly blames her mother for ruining her adult relationships in Four Directions. What is the truth?

Waverly cares a great deal what others think of her, particularly her mother. She does not trust on her own thoughts and judgments about situations and people. She is easily influenced by her mother's feelings and thus reacts to them, ending relationships then later blaming her mother.

What is the real problem in Four Directions with the dinner at Lindo's which is ruined by Rich?

Rich does not understand the clash of cultures in the household. This misunderstanding causes Rich to make missteps that could have been avoided had Waverly been more outspoken and less manipulative.

In Four Directions How does Rich deal with Lindo much to Waverly's horror?

Rich accepts her criticism with a smile and teasers her about her outspokenness.

What is Rose's mother attempting to teach Rose when she told her to listen only to her mother, no one else?

An-mei is attempting to teach Rose how to be an obedient daughter.

Why does Rose make different excuses for her dissolving marriage to different people?

Rose truly believes that the stories she tells everyone are the truth, or at least part of it. She is trying to make a decision within herself. She is also trying to please others, telling them what she thinks they want to hear.

Which cultural decisions does Rose value more- Chinese or American, and why?

Rose learns that decisions can be divided into Chinese and American decisions. She did begin to see that the American version always seemed to have better options. However, with the better versions also comes more choices and that makes decision making harder. It is more difficult to choose the right thing when there are so many options.

What finally makes Rose make a decision she can live with?

Rose decides to tell Ted that she will stay in the house she loves, and she will not just be put aside so he can follow his own desires. Rose decides that it is time to stand for what she believes and that what is best is to shock Ted and make him the one who is weak.

June encounters a man who wears a necklace similar to hers, and she asks where he got it. She states, "I asked him why, which is a nosy question that only one Chinese person can ask another; in a crowd of Caucasians, two Chinese people are already like family." Why would this be?

June is describing a phenomenon that occurs among minorities in a society. Even strangers know that they have a certain body of shared experience: including difficulties within their own culture, balancing two cultures, and difficulties assimilating to the dominant culture.

June realizes that Waverly still speaks in the same tone she used as a child. What does this imply about her personality?

If her tone of voice is still the same, then she probably has not grown up at all.

How does Waverly make June feel?

June feels worthless and stupid around Waverly.

Why does June bring up the subject of her work that has not been paid for?

June is used to Waverly making indirect insults. Although the insults are not flagrant, they are insults none-the-less. June attempts to do the same only to have it turned around. She is hoping to make Waverly feel like the underdog for once.

June thinks her mother is siding with Waverly when she states that Waverly's "style," is innate and cannot be taught. What indication is there that Suyuan does not agree with Waverly?

June feels as if she is a disappointment to her mother, and Suyuan's words affirm this in her mind. She expects to be chastised but instead learns that her mother knows she thinks differently from everyone else. Suyuan gives June her prized jade necklace as a remembrance that her mother loves her. She also compares Waverly to a crab that walks sideways, not straight ahead. Suyuan does not agree with Waverly. Her words at the dinner table are critical of Waverly. Suyuan is not impressed with Waverly's behavior.

What is Suyuan telling June when she says, "Only you pick that crab. Nobody else take it. I already know this. Everybody else want best quality. You thinking different"?

Suyuan sees that June does not always put herself first as the Jongs did at dinner. June is not selfish and wants what is best for others before herself.

What is June's "life's importance?"

June's life's importance is understanding that her mother does know who she is and is proud of her. Suyuan's gift of the necklace was to help June remember that her mother loved her no matter what.

What is the purpose of the opening passage for the section "Queen Mother of the Western Skies"?

The grandmother is speaking to her new granddaughter about her laughter. She is questioning whether or not one can learn from her mistakes or is the next generation doomed to the same destiny? Regardless of what the answer is, the grandmother senses that hope is the key—hope that the future can change.

Explain the importance of the turtle story from An-mei's perspective in Magpies.

An-mei's mother returns to her home in order to honor her dead mother. She is speaking to Anmei to explain that she does understand her pain, because she too has been in the same place. Yet, she wants An-mei to understand that the tears do not achieve anything for the person who sheds them. An-mei's mother is trying to give An-mei the courage and strength to face the future, whatever that future may be.

What would happen to An-mei if she went with her mother?

An-mei's mother lives as a fourth wife to a man in a distant city. She is no better than a concubine in reality, even with the title of wife. Her family has disowned her for the shame she has brought to them. If An-mei goes with her, she will be disgraced as well. She would take on her mother's shame and be disowned by her family. Her prospects for the future would be dim.

Why do An-mei and her mother dress differently and act differently from the custom of the day?

Wu Tsing, the husband to An-mei's mother, is very wealthy. He made his money from Westerners and thus he took on their style to show his appreciation. His house was in the British Concession of Tientsin which was the best place to live and the closest to the Westerners. His wives and children would be expected to dress and act accordingly.

Why does An-mei think that being a fourth wife should not be shameful?

The house in which An-mei lives with her mother is beautiful with the most modern accommodations, such as indoor plumbing. The bedroom is plush and An-mei is able to indulge herself with new delicacies. Servants are everywhere, and she and her mother are treated well.

What can be assumed by the reader when the Second wife enters the story?

Second Wife returns home and the servants rush to meet her. Everyone lines up outside to greet her and the returning children. An-mei's mother stiffens when Second Wife emerges from the car and she tells An-mei to call this woman "Big Mother." As Second Wife makes her way towards An-mei, she gives instructions to servants and An-mei's mother has to back down when Second Wife insists that An-mei keeps the pearl necklace as a gift. It can be assumed that Second Wife has a great position of power within this house.

Why is Second Wife so powerful when by law and custom, her rights should belong to First Wife?

First Wife is described as a ghost of a woman who spent her time traveling to Buddhist temples to study. She gave Wu Tsing only daughters. Second Wife is the only wife thus far who has given Wu Tsing a son—an heir to carry on the family name. Thus she holds the power in the household.

What was ironic about An-mei's mother's being a disgrace to the family?

An-mei's mother was tricked by Second Wife and raped by Wu Tsing while she was on a journey to honor her first husband. She never intentionally sought the position she was in, but her family's treatment of her caused her to have to accept Wu Tsing's terms for the rest of her life. She had nowhere else to go.

What ambivalent position does An-mei find herself in?

An-mei sees and understands more than what the adults think a child can understand. She wants action and justice for her mother. She wants to right the wrongs of the past, yet because of her age, she is powerless to do so and has little understanding of the reasons for why her mother cannot stand up for her own rights.

How does An-mei's mother's suicide cause a change in circumstance?

Wu Tsing is very superstitious, especially terrified of ghosts. He is afraid of those who are dead and whom he wronged while they were alive, fearing they may try to settle their grudge against him as ghosts. Therefore, he wants to make things right with An-mei and her brother. By honoring An-mei's mother as a first wife, he would raise the status of both children, and hopefully appease her spirit so that she would not bring misfortune to him.