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Marvin Chen is Waverly Jong’s first husband, a handsome Chinese-American man. The difference between how Waverly initially views Marvin and how Lindo understands him illustrates the clash between the two generations. Waverly sees all of Marvin’s charm, looks, and outward scholastic achievements and believes that these make him a good man. Because Lindo’s experiences have forced her to learn that people who are outwardly proud often have no true depth, she notes the ways in which many of his achievements are superficial. Where Waverly sees a scholarship to Stanford, Lindo sees a man who now is coasting on his previous achievements. Where Waverly sees athleticism, Lindo sees a man who indulges in frivolous distractions. The truth of Marvin Chen’s character matters less in the context of the novel than what he represents for Waverly and Lindo’s relationship. Throughout the novel, Waverly attempts to distance herself from her mother’s influence. Waverly’s elopement with Marvin is yet another way in which Waverly tries to assert her independence. However, she never fully succeeds. The fact that Lindo is able to change Waverly’s opinion of Marvin so completely suggests that, deep down, Waverly does respect Lindo’s opinion and desires her approval.
