Symbolism In Amy Tan's The Rules Of The Game

Generations each possess individual values, attitudes, and goals that strike them apart from one another, thus creating a gap. This gap is like a barrier that keeps the different generations distinct. The previous generations have played a big role in shaping the newest generation by offering help to them. However, the current generation seemed to have developed a different attitude about life and themselves. Amy Tan's short story, "The Rules of the Game,” shows the generation/culture gap between an American girl Waverly Jong, and her Chinese mother, Lindo. This short story has several themes and Tan uses numerous literary devices to emphasize them throughout the story. Two literary devices that she used in the major theme were setting and symbolism. If not for these devices, the story would …show more content…
However, the major theme in this story was the culture gap between the two characters and how this led to conflict and the struggle for power. The main characters, which fitted perfectly in the story, are portrayed as realistic Chinese-American citizens living in San Francisco, Chinatown. Tan showed her theme of the culture gap through the experience between the mother and her daughter. The protagonist, Waverly Jong, grew to be well known as she triumphed in her quest to be a chess champion. However, she had multiple personalities. One example of this was when she received a pack of Life Saver candy as a Christmas present, where she did not complain like most children would, but was very grateful (Tan 500). Instead of being depressed of her gift she made the best of it by using it as chess pieces and bartering for games of chess with an elder in the park. Another example was when she became very frustrated with her mother towards the end of the story and ran away. She showed her darker side here by being frustrated at her mother and also disrespected her Chinese heritage of respecting her parents. This had huge