In "Rules of the Game," why does Waverly feel unhappy about shopping with her mother?

Why is Waverly feeling unhappy about shopping with her mother? Waverly feels unhappy about shopping with her mother because she is embarrassed by her mother's behavior. In the story "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan, Waverly Jong goes shopping with her mother for clothes. However, Waverly is embarrassed by her mother's way of haggling and bargaining with the shopkeeper. Her mother's loud and aggressive behavior causes Waverly to feel ashamed and uncomfortable, especially in front of other people.

Embarrassment of Her Mother's Behavior

Waverly's unhappiness stems from her mother's behavior during the shopping trip. Her mother's methods of negotiating prices are different from what Waverly is used to, and this stark contrast causes her distress. In Chinese culture, bargaining is often seen as a way to save money and get the best deal. However, Waverly's mother takes the bargaining to an extreme, making Waverly feel out of place and embarrassed.

Pressure to Conform

As a young girl trying to find her identity and navigate her way through the world, Waverly feels pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. Her mother's behavior puts her in a difficult position, torn between wanting to please her mother and wanting to distance herself from her embarrassment. This internal conflict adds to her unhappiness and discomfort during the shopping trip.

Strained Mother-Daughter Relationship

The shopping trip also highlights the strained relationship between Waverly and her mother. The clash of values and communication styles between the two characters creates tension and conflict. Waverly yearns for independence and autonomy, while her mother tries to impart her traditional beliefs and practices onto her daughter, leading to misunderstandings and feelings of frustration on both sides.

Impact on Waverly's Self-esteem

Waverly's mother's behavior not only affects their relationship but also takes a toll on Waverly's self-esteem. Feeling embarrassed by her mother's actions in public diminishes Waverly's confidence and sense of self-worth. She struggles with the internalized shame of her mother's behavior, which deepens her sense of unhappiness and alienation.

Resolution and Growth

Throughout the story, Waverly learns to navigate her relationship with her mother and find her own voice. The shopping trip serves as a pivotal moment for Waverly to assert her independence and assert her boundaries. By addressing her feelings of unhappiness and exploring the underlying dynamics of her mother-daughter relationship, Waverly begins to grow and evolve as a character.

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