How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Why does she get to play and we do all the work," complained Vincent. "Is new American rules," said my mother. (47)
It's interesting that Mom "others" Waverly's brothers here by claiming that the new chore arrangement is somehow an American rule. She puts herself and Waverly on the inside of American culture, casting Waverly's brothers to the outside. Plus her American rule seems pretty unfair, though this may be the point. Maybe from where Mom's sitting, America simply isn't fair.
Quote #8
I was touted as the Great American Hope, a child prodigy and a girl to boot. (48)
This quote comes a couple of paragraphs after Waverly is proclaimed "Chinatown Chess Champion." Interestingly, her success locally seems to place a burden on her to represent the entire neighborhood. She's like the ambassador for Chinatown.
Quote #9
Seated across from me was an American man, about the same age as Lau Po, maybe fifty. I remember that his sweaty brow seemed to weep at my every move. He wore a dark, malodorous suit. One of his pockets was stuffed with a great white kerchief on which he wiped his palm before sweeping his hand over the chosen chess piece with great flourish. (49)
While the Chinese Lau Po is a teacher, this American is an obstacle. Once again, we see Waverly with feet in different worlds, and here it looks like the American side is pretty freaking daunting.