How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
My mother had a habit of standing over me while I plotted out my games. I think she thought of herself as my protective ally. (52)
Mom probably isn't familiar with the whole concept of personal space—but in her defense, this isn't necessarily a malicious thing, as suggested here. The confinement and entrapment of Waverly is supposed to be good for her, and her mother's smothering overprotectiveness is an effort to help her.
Quote #8
I ran until it hurt and I realized I had nowhere to go, that I was not running from anything. The alleys contained no escape routes. (62)
Waverly realizes she's trapped, but the wording here is really interesting. She uses "escape routes," which she also points out is an important part of chess strategy. Like her chess games, she's playing a match here… and when she runs out of options, she's trapped just like one of her pieces.
Quote #9
On a platter were the remains of a large fish, its fleshy head still connected to bones swimming upstream in vain escape. (65)
Boy, it does not go well for the seafood in this story. Also, Tan appears to be drawing a parallel between the fish and her heroine. For more on this, be sure to swing by the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section.