Writing about symbols and theme


Select three symbols from the list brainstormed in class that reflect the themes and characters
of the story “The Jade Peony”. These symbols may come from the story itself or can be of your
own creation.
Write a formal paragraph to explain your choice of symbols. Use specific examples from the
story and integrate at least one short quotation in your paragraph.
Jenny Jones
Jones 1
Mrs. Ingoldsby
English 1DI
15 September 2014
Symbols and themes in “The Joy Luck Club”
Three symbols that reflect the themes and characters of The Joy Luck Club are the game of
chess, the peacock, and a divided flag. The chess game is a symbol that appears in the story itself. It
represents the relationship between Lindo and her daughter, Waverly. For most of her life, Waverly
needed to “plan her next move” against her mother because of Lindo’s condescending attitude toward
her daughter, especially when it came to relationships. When Lindo and Waverly finally open up to each
other at the hairdressers, Waverly says, “you have no idea how much power you have over me.” In
some ways, Lindo is the queen in Waverley’s life; the most precious piece on the board. Another symbol,
which does not appear in the story, but could be used to reflect Lindo, is a peacock. A peacock is a very
proud bird that displays its feathers and struts around showing everyone its beauty. Similarly, Lindo is
quite proud of her Chinese heritage and is also not afraid to show off her daughter’s accomplishments s
chess champion. IN the video clip, Lindo goes as far as to stop people in the streets to show them the
picture of Waverley in the paper. Unfortunately, this pride is also a negative quality because it prevents
Lindo from nurturing a good relationship with her daughter. Finally, a flag that is three quarters
American and one quarter Chinese could be used to represent Waverley’s confusion and insecurity. She
would like her family to assimilate into American culture and, in some ways; she represents her heritage
as being too traditional and old-fashioned, mainly because she does not understand it. An example is
seen when she is rude to her mother as she speaks glowingly about her childhood talents; this display of
pride was something passed on from Lindo’s relationship with her mother but Waverley is ashamed of
her mother’s actions. As a result, Waverly becomes victim of cultural differences between East and
West. Thus, all three symbols represent the main ideas and characters of this story.