The story functions as a metaphorical chess game, often pitting Waverly and her mother on opposite sides of the board. Discuss the “moves” each character makes throughout the story and how you might determine the winner.

Tan employs sensory language to immerse readers in the setting and to cement Waverly in the role of observer, describing in detail what she sees. Select two to three scenes or examples that use sensory language and describe how these sensations affect Waverly’s interpretation of her observations.

Food and culture are intertwined throughout the narrative. What do the descriptions of food add to the story’s symbolism, theme, or overall message?