Question

Which statement best explains how symbolism conveys Amy's development as character?

Answer 1

The answer is C.   When Amy refers to dinner time with her family, she describes, not a pleasant but a distressing time during which her parents did things and behaved in embarassing ways. The fish cheeks that her father eats and offers her represents Amy's heritage but she would much prefer to just avoid the ritual of serving it and, perhaps not to see Robert's grimace.

Answer 2

Answer:

A. The fish cheeks that her father eats represent Amy's Chinese heritage, which she tries to suppress.

Explanation:

One of the hints we get that makes us assume the fish cheeks are an important symbol is the fact that the story is called "Fish Cheeks." This implies that the fish cheeks play an important role in the story. The fish cheeks represent Amy's Chinese heritage. It is true that she loves it (in the same way she loves the fish cheeks), but it can also make her feel embarrassed. She is particularly embarrassed at this point in the story, when she knows that Robert and his family are not used to her family's ways.