Exploring Fish Cheeks: Themes and Insights

In 'Fish Cheeks' by Amy Tan, a young girl named Amy falls for a boy named Robert, who is not Chinese. Her parents invite Robert's family for a traditional Chinese Christmas Eve dinner, causing Amy to worry about cultural differences. The dinner is awkward, with Amy feeling embarrassed by her family's customs. Afterward, her mother gives her a gift and advises her to be proud of her Chinese heritage. Years later, Amy appreciates her mother's lesson and the significance of the meal, which included all her favorite foods.

What did Amy Tan pray for during Christmas when she was 14?

• A new bicycle

• A slim new American nose

• A trip to China

• A new dress

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

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CCSS.RI.7.10

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Why did Amy cry when she found out about the Christmas Eve dinner invitation?

• She wanted to go out with friends

• She was worried about what Robert would think of their Chinese customs

• She didn't like Robert

• She didn't want to celebrate Christmas

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What was Amy's mother doing in the kitchen that seemed strange to Amy?

• Making a turkey

• Baking cookies

• Pulling black veins out of prawns

• Decorating the Christmas tree

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

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How did Robert react to the Chinese food served at dinner?

• He loved it

• He grimaced

• He ignored it

• He asked for more

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What did Amy's father do that embarrassed her during the meal?

• He told a joke

• He sang a song

• He belched loudly

• He danced

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What did Amy's mother give her as an early gift?

• A necklace

• A new book

• A miniskirt

• A pair of shoes

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

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CCSS.RI.8.1

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What lesson did Amy's mother want her to learn?

• To ignore her heritage

• To always fit in

• To be proud of being different

• To be ashamed of her culture

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

When did Amy fully appreciate her mother's lesson?

• When she turned 18

• The next day

• Many years later

• Immediately after the dinner

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What was the true purpose behind the Christmas Eve menu?

• To impress Robert

• To showcase Chinese culture

• To follow American traditions

• To make Amy happy

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

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CCSS.RL.6.1

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What did Amy's mother say was the only shame?

• To be American

• To be different

• To have shame

• To be Chinese

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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