Assignment Task:
Amy Tan's "Fish Cheeks" Discussion Questions
1. Consider Amy Tan's word choice as she describes the meal prepared by her mother. What do her descriptions reveal about how she views the food?
2. Both Robert and "a slim new American nose" can be viewed as symbols. What do they represent? And what do they reveal about Amy Tan?
3. During the dinner, Tan's focus is on both her relatives and her guest, Robert and the minister. Why does she choose to juxtapose both images together?
4. Considering Robert is symbolic of a larger ideal, what does his reaction during the dinner signify?
5. Does the minister look down upon Tan's Chinese custom? Does Robert?
6. What lesson does Tan's mother want her to learn by giving her a "miniskirt in beige tweed" (100)?
7. Why is it important that Tan's mother had "chosen all [Tan's] favorite foods" that Christmas Eve?
8. Why does Tan's seem to agonize so much during the entire evening? What possible theme could she be developing?