Insights from Amy Tan's 1996 Interview

What was the turning point for Amy Tan in realizing the importance of originality in her writing?

• When she wrote a story about a Chinese-American girl playing chess

• When she stopped writing altogether

• When she received praise for her improvisational jazz skills

• When she copied someone else's writing style

What did Amy Tan discover about herself during her trip to China?

• She preferred American history over Chinese history

• She was equally American and Chinese

• She had no connection to Chinese culture

• She was more American than Chinese

How did Amy Tan's mother influence her perception of failure and success?

• By setting high expectations and using fear as a control method

• By allowing her to choose her own career path

• By encouraging her to pursue art

• By praising her for every small achievement

What role did reading play in Amy Tan's childhood?

• It was a chore she had to complete

• It was a way to escape from her problems

• It was discouraged by her parents

• It was a subject she struggled with

What was Amy Tan's initial career aspiration as influenced by her parents?

• A writer

• An artist

• A doctor and a concert pianist

• A historian

What did the narrator's father influence her to believe about books?

• Books are essential for growth

• Books are bad for you

• Books are a waste of time

• Books are only for the intelligent

What was the narrator's reaction to her rebellious phase in Europe?

• She felt her life was over

• She felt liberated and free

• She regretted her actions immediately

• She was indifferent to the consequences

How did the narrator's mother measure her success as a freelance writer?

• By the recognition received

• By the number of clients

• By the amount of money earned

• By the number of books published

What did the narrator realize about her cultural identity over time?

• She found a balance between her American and Chinese identities

• She wanted to completely reject her Chinese heritage

• She felt more American than Chinese

• She decided to embrace only her Chinese culture

What does the narrator believe is the most important aspect of the American dream?

• Achieving financial success

• Gaining approval from others

• Creating your own identity

• Living a comfortable life