The use of flashback in "Rules of the Game" provides insight into the complicated relationship between Waverly and her mother. Throughout the story, Waverly describes past incidents when cultural differences caused her and her mother to view events differently. Waverly sees events differently because of her American upbringing. Her mother sees events differently because of her Chinese upbringing. Waverly notes that her mother has had difficulty adjusting to American culture. She shows this struggle when she describes her mother’s reaction to the game manual for her brother’s new chess set:
“This American rules,” she concluded at last. “Every time people come out from foreign country, must know rules. You not know, judge say, Too bad, go back. They not telling you why so you can use their way go forward. They say, Don’t know why, you find out yourself. But they knowing all the time. Better you take it, find out why yourself.” She tossed her head back with a satisfied smile.
“Every time people come out from foreign country, must know rules. Throughout the story, Waverly describes past incidents when cultural differences caused her and her mother to view events differently. Waverly sees events differently because of her American upbringing. Her mother sees events differently because of her Chinese upbringing. She shows this struggle when she describes her mother’s reaction to the game manual for her brother’s new chess set: “This American rules,” she concluded at last.The The use of flashback in "Rules of the Game" provides insight into the complicated relationship between Waverly and her mother. You not know, judge say, Too bad, go back. Better you take it, find out why yourself.” She tossed her head back with a satisfied smile. Waverly notes that her mother has had difficulty adjusting to American culture. They say, Don’t know why, you find out yourself. They not telling you why so you can use their way go forward. But they knowing all the time.
