How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Little sister, been a long time since I play with dolls," he said, smiling benevolently. (31)
Lau Po is a key point in Waverly's youth, a quiet step from childhood to adulthood. He treats her like a child when he first meets her, but he's impressed by her chess-playing skills and teaches her to play. He beats her regularly, but he also helps her change from a pretty good chess player (kid) to a great chess player (grown-up).
Quote #5
She sat proudly on the bench, telling my admirers with proper Chinese humility, "Is luck." (34)
This is such a loaded and important moment in the story. Looked at from the theme of youth, is it possible that Waverly's mom is trying to protect her a bit? You know, trying to maintain her youthful innocence by saying she's really not that good? What do you think?
Quote #6
"Why does she get to play and we do all the work," complained Vincent. (47)
Vincent sees Waverly's chess practice as playing—a child's pastime—even though it's much more serious than that. Plus, while Waverly gets out of chores, she also isn't allowed to play anymore. Insofar as kids are expected to do chores, when Waverly is exempted from them, it's kind of a bad sign about the state of her childhood.