Amy Tan’s novel Joy Luck Club has been read all over the World and is not only a part of Macduffie’s curriculum. Why does this book have such a universal appeal which attracts many different types of audiences (students, adults, Chinese, non-Chinese)?
Considering author Frank Chin’s criticism of the book (see controversy and reception), do you think the book portrays the Chinese female characters as weak and submissive?
How is the plot in Joy Luck Club influenced by Amy Tan’s own life?
There are several factors contributing to the barrier between the mothers and daughters. Some conflicts are rooted in cultural differences while some are caused by generational differences. In your opinion, which conflicts are a result of cultural clash and which conflicts are caused by a generation gap between the mothers and daughters?
Where in the book do you see Amy Tan drawing experience from her own life to the plot of the Joy Luck Club?
Joy Luck Senior Project 