chapter 6 Bellevue Washington

Summary

The script follows Anthony, a young Korean-American boy, as he navigates the pressures of his strict mother, academic expectations, and a desire to break free from constant discipline. In his journal, he recounts a summer filled with family obligations, personal rebellion, and his struggles with violin practice, culminating in a disastrous recital. Anthony's journey explores themes of identity, cultural expectations, and personal growth, as he learns the value of rest and balance, ultimately deciding to quit violin and embrace a more carefree approach to life. The story captures the tension between personal desires and familial expectations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The protagonist, Tony, is a fifth-grade student who struggles with family expectations and personal identity.
• 😀 Tony’s mother places immense pressure on him to excel in violin and academics, drawing comparisons to a successful family legacy.
• 😀 Tony uses humor and sarcasm to cope with the expectations placed upon him, such as his imagined radio interview with Bob Baker.
• 😀 Despite being good at baseball, Tony is forced to practice the violin rigorously, often against his will and in solitude.
• 😀 Tony’s mother is deeply focused on success, pushing him to achieve high standards, while his younger sister is exempt from this pressure.
• 😀 Tony experiences a sense of isolation, both in his school environment and at home, feeling misunderstood and pressured to be perfect.
• 😀 A family camping trip highlights Tony’s frustrations, as he is forced to observe others' dedication, like the harp-playing girl, which intensifies his mother’s expectations.
• 😀 The 'whirly gig' at the campsite becomes a symbol for Tony’s internal conflict between practicing relentlessly and needing rest.
• 😀 A pivotal moment in the story occurs when Tony confesses his struggles to his music teacher, Mr. Mince, who encourages him to rest and take a break.
• 😀 After speaking with Mr. Mince, Tony’s mother finally allows him to quit violin and promises not to pressure him about the scholarship award.
• 😀 In the end, Tony learns that it's okay not to be the best and that taking a break from constant striving can bring relief and clarity.

Q & A

Why is the narrator not paying attention in class on the first day of fifth grade?

The narrator is distracted and focused on drawing the Seattle Mariners' logo on their desk, anticipating the start of a Mariners game that day. This demonstrates their disinterest in the journal assignment and their desire to escape the classroom routine.

What does the narrator mean by 'My summer was like being sick to your stomach'?

The narrator is using a metaphor to describe their summer as a time of discomfort and dissatisfaction, where they felt pressure and frustration, leading to a buildup of stress and eventual release—symbolized by throwing up.

What is the significance of the imaginary Mariners pregame show in the narrator's mind?

The pregame show serves as an escape for the narrator. By imagining themselves as a guest on the show, they distance themselves from the reality of their summer and the pressures of their violin practice, instead projecting an image of themselves as someone confident and in control.

Why does the narrator lie about their birthday in the interview?

The narrator lies because they don't want to reveal the truth about their adoption from Korea, which they view as a potentially uncomfortable or awkward topic. Their birthday, like many aspects of their background, is a source of personal conflict and complexity.

How does the narrator feel about their violin training and the pressure from their mother?

The narrator feels frustrated and trapped by the constant pressure to excel in violin, a talent their mother highly values. They feel a sense of duty to meet her high expectations, despite not enjoying the practice, and often fantasize about quitting.

What is the significance of the whirligig and the girl playing the harp?

The whirligig and the girl playing the harp symbolize the idea of constant effort and dedication. The girl’s nonstop practice is juxtaposed with the narrator’s struggle to meet similar expectations. It becomes a metaphor for the narrator's own pressure to always be hardworking and perfect.

What is the 'Pledge' that the narrator refers to, and why is it important?

The 'Pledge' is a personal, internal vow the narrator feels they must adhere to as part of their cultural identity. It emphasizes being quiet, hardworking, and polite, succeeding through dedication—an unspoken standard placed on the narrator due to their Asian background.

How does the narrator break 'The Pledge' and what are the consequences?

The narrator breaks 'The Pledge' when they throw a rock at the girl playing the harp, an act of rebellion against the pressures of perfection. The consequences are that they are caught by their mother and forced to reflect on their actions, leading to a turning point in their understanding of expectations.

What does Mr. Mince mean when he says, 'A harp player plays her harp and then she rests'?

Mr. Mince is using the image of the harp player as a metaphor for balance in life. He suggests that constant effort without rest can lead to burnout, and that rest is necessary to maintain both physical and mental well-being. This is a pivotal moment where the narrator realizes the importance of balance, leading to a change in their approach to practice.

How does the narrator's relationship with their mother change by the end of the story?

By the end, the narrator’s mother allows them to quit the violin and stops pressuring them about awards and success. This marks a shift in their relationship, as the narrator is finally freed from the intense expectations, and both of them begin to understand the need for rest and personal choice.