“Rules of the Game” Amy Tan’s Use Figurative Language and Other Literary Elements Waverly Jong

“Strongest wind cannot be seen” Literary Element: epigram (brief, interesting, memorable, and sometimes surprising or satirical statement) Signficance:

“…people sat cracking roasted watermelon seeds with their teeth” Literary Element: Imagery Significance/Effect:

Literary Element: Characterization and Symbolism “One day as she struggled to weave a hard-toothed comb through my disobedient hair, I had a sly thought” Literary Element: Characterization and Symbolism Signficance/Effect:

Literary Element: Metaphor “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” Literary Element: Metaphor Signficance/Effect:

“Never say check with vanity, les someone with an unseen sword slit your throat” Literary Element: hyperbole Signficance/Effect:

“It [the wind] whispered secrets only I could hear” Literary Element: Personification Signficance/Effect:

“Check,” I said, as the wind roared with laughter” Literary Element: Personification Signficance/Effect:

“I would swing my patent leather shoes back and forth like an impatient child riding on a school bus” Type of figurative language: Signficance: