Question

My mother placed my first trophy next to a new plastic chess set that the neighborhood Tao society had given to me. As she wiped each piece with a soft cloth, she said, “Next time win more, lose less.” “Ma, it’s not how many pieces you lose,” I said. “Sometimes you need to lose pieces to get ahead.” “Better to lose less, see if you really need.” At the next tournament, I won again, but it was my mother who wore the triumphant grin. “Lost eight piece this time. Last time was eleven. What I tell you? Better off lose less!” I was annoyed, but I couldn’t say anything. Describe the primary and secondary conflicts in the excerpt. Then, analyze what motivates each character to act the way they do in the excerpt.

Answer 1

This is from the Joy Luck Club im guessing??? the primary conflict is between the narrator and her mother, the contention that comes with arguing weather or not loosing more or less pieces results in a better or worse game. the secondary contention is subliminal. it is the pressure the traditional mother puts on her child to not only win, but to always win. Her mother lived in a place and time where only those who did the best survived. the narrator only wants to win, but is willing to make sacrifices to get there. There is the tension and misunderstanding between these two generations. 

Answer 2

The primary conflict in this passage is between Lindo and Meimei. Meimei is annoyed at Lindo for Lindo’s critiques, which she finds illogical. This miscommunication is an external conflict. The secondary conflict is within Meimei herself. She’s annoyed at her mom, but in the end, she knows that expressing that annoyance is not the way to win the argument. If Meimei is to master the power of “invisible strength” versus overt aggression, she has to figure out an angle that will work. Simply telling her mom to back off will not win her any points. For Lindo’s part, she is motivated by a desire to see Meimei succeed. Although Meimei wins the games, Lindo knows that it’s important that Meimei continue to improve. Since she doesn’t know how to play chess, Lindo may not even be serious in her critique. Her main message is this: “Don’t get complacent; keep improving!”