Saturday, January 27, 2007

What game does Waverly learn to play?

In short, Waverly learns to play chess. However, the game of chess is related to her life in many ways.


In the beginning of the story, Waverly's mother teaches her daughter the art of invisible strength.  This idea is defined as a way to win arguments and respect from others.  Waverly's mother wants her daughter to be prepared for life. 


On Christmas, Waverly's brothers receive a gift from church. One of her brothers gets a chess set.  Her brothers stop playing shortly thereafter, but Waverly continues and excels.  In fact, she uses the art of invisible strength to play chess. Waverly becomes an national sensation. 


Later conflict with her mother ensues, and Waverly rebels. When she comes home, she knows that her greatest opponent is right before her, her mother. So, she thinks about what she will do. The story ends with these words:



I closed my eyes and pondered my next move.



From this perspective, she learned chess but also more importantly how to interact with people and prevail. 

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