The+Joy+Luck+Club

Discussion Question "Joy Luck Club"

What do the words "joy" and "luck" mean to Jing-Mei's mother and the other women in the story? How does the meaning differ for Jing Mei? They mean to Jing- Mei's mother and the rest of the women the name of the club they are involved in that help women get through rough times together. It differs for Jing Mei becasue she does not realize the true meaning of the words.

Two generations are introduced in this story: the older generation of women from China who began the Joy Luck Club, and their younger, American-born daughters. What misunderstandings are apparent between these two generations? What is the root of these misunderstandings? The misunderstanding between the two generations for instance the game Mah Jong. The daughters played it to enjoy themselves and have fun. But the mothers got a deeper meaning from the game. The difference is the mothers grew up in China which is different from growing up in an American society.

Can you relate this lack of understanding between generations? What does the generation before you (your parents) not understand about your generation? Yes, I definitly can relate. For instance my parents do not get why i wear someo f the things i do. They always ask me why are you wearing that, we never wore things like that in our day. They don't realize that times have changed people no longer dress liek that.

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