This question is about “Safety in Numbers” by Lucy Tan What judgement is the narrator making when she observes that her mother has “become so small in her living of life”? (Paragraph 28) A The narrator thinks less of her mother because she is too rigid and does not take risks.

Why does the narrator tell Miss Crosman that her mother is a concert pianist? She wants to impress Miss Crosman. She wants to be a concert pianist.

Why does the narrator throw the white umbrella down a sewer? The narrator therw the umbrella down the sewer becuase she felt guilty about saying that she wished Mrs. Crossman was her mother and the umbrella was a sign of that.

Main character: The narrator is the main character of “The White Umbrella”. Climax: The climax of the story occurs after the car accident when the narrator thinks that her mom is dead.

The narrator realizes that hiding the white umbrella was one cause of the accident. She regrets what she said to Miss Crosman about being her mother. Because of this, the umbrella has come to represent her guilt about her mother. In The White Umbrella, the narrator initially feels embarrassment over her Chinese mother.

In paragraphs 19-29, how does the narrator’s conversation with her dad influence the way she views her mother? The conversation causes her to challenge her dad’s description of her mother as fearless. The conversation causes her to believe that she will never live up to her mother’s standards.

Mama’s gift to Maya was important to both of them because the bracelet was given to Mama from her grandmother when she was 16.

How does Mama’s injury both simplify and complicate Maya’s life? Maya’s life changes because she had to quit gymnastic and to Mama’s job of cleaning houses. It simplifies because it makes up for the wrong she did with the boy but it complicates because she has to go to school, then work, then cook at home.

What does the way she speaks to Mr. Walsh reveal about her feelings? Maya’s “voice came out as a whisper.” She says she “felt such terror” that she “could barely speak.” Her strong reaction suggests that she has a great fear of the consequences if she causes trouble.

She was scared about being in trouble in front of Papa. Find the evidence of Maya’s parents’ reaction to find her with Daniel. What does their reaction suggest abut Maya’s chance of being allowed to go to the dance? They are blaming each other.

What do Maya’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, in response to her mother’s injury reveal about her traits and motivations? She is caring, obedient and wants to help her family. She cares about her brother and wants him to help her out.

What do you learn about Maya and the conflict she faces in the beginning of the book? Maya is a ninth grade immigrant girl who badly wants to go to the Spring Fling dance but is afraid that she won’t be allowed to because her parents haven’t adapted to the American ways.

“My Favorite Chaperone” Plot: The protagonist, main character, is 9th grader, Maya. The family’s initial conflict is lack of money; both parents lost their jobs and move to America. Maya’s parents feel as is she has brought shame to the family acting this way, severely diminishing her chances of going to the dance.

Maya has a good time at the dance. Maya’s mother expresses her approval by giving her a gold bracelet to wear to the dance. Resolution: the end of the story reveals the final outcome. Maya seems at peace with both her family and her new life in the United States.