Everything I Never Told You Ch. 1-6 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

When does the book begin?

May 3, 1977

What does the first sentence of the novel tell us?

Lydia is dead.

What time did Nath hear a radio in Lydia's room on the night of her disappearance?

11:30 p.m.

How old was Lydia when Marilyn accidentally put her hand down on a hot burner?

11 months Signup and view all the answers

What question does Marilyn ask herself when Lydia surprises her by toddling into the kitchen?

What else have you been hiding? Signup and view all the answers

Where does Lydia go to school?

Middlewood High Signup and view all the answers

What does Marilyn learn when she calls the high school?

Lydia has been marked absent in 11th grade physics. Signup and view all the answers

What did Marilyn give up when she married James?

Relationship with her mother and her dream of medical school. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to Lydia's isolation from other students?

She is one of only two Chinese Americans in the school and she isn't allowed to go to parties. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nath hate Jack?

He was ostracized by Jack and his friends at the Y. Signup and view all the answers

What do the police tell the Lee family about most 'missing girl' cases?

They are resolved within a day's time. Signup and view all the answers

What does James want for his daughter?

He wants her to have friends and a social life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marilyn want for her daughter?

She wants her to go to medical school. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 'everythings' Marilyn does not tell her family?

That she feels cheated out of her professional dream by the institutions of marriage and parenthood. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 'everythings' that Nath does not tell his family?

That he has information about Lydia's life that might be important. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 'everythings' that James does not tell his family?

That he is having an adulterous affair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'everything' Lydia does not tell her family?

That all she really wants is for Marilyn to stay in the family home. Signup and view all the answers

Where are Lydia's remains found?

In the lake. Signup and view all the answers

What potential themes have we seen so far in the novel?

Racial prejudice and gender discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

How does James feel after his fight with Marilyn?

Belittled and hurt. Signup and view all the answers

What upsets Nath about Jack?

Jack tells Nath that he doesn't need both parents. Signup and view all the answers

How can Hannah be described?

Ignored, quiet, and curious. Signup and view all the answers

Who calls the Lee residence nonstop but hangs up?

Marilyn. Signup and view all the answers

Why does James hit Nath?

Nath begins talking and obsessing over space instead of Marilyn. Signup and view all the answers

Who pushes Lydia into the reservoir?

Nath. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events and Characters

The narrative opens on May 3, 1977, establishing an atmosphere of tragedy with the revelation of Lydia's death.
Lydia's mysterious disappearance is central, first indicated by Nath hearing a radio in her room at 11:30 p.m. on the night she went missing.

Family Dynamics and Relationships

Lydia was only 11 months old when Marilyn accidentally burned her hand on a hot stove, showcasing the family's tumultuous history.
Marilyn grapples with feelings of betrayal when she realizes Lydia is hiding parts of herself, asking, "What else have you been hiding?"
Nath experiences resentment towards Jack due to past ostracization at the YMCA, reflecting themes of bullying and social exclusion.

Educational Environment

Lydia attends Middlewood High, where her isolation is exacerbated as one of the few Chinese Americans and due to restrictions on her social activities, including parties.
Marilyn discovers Lydia has been absent from 11th-grade physics, raising alarm over her daughter's academic and social life.

Parental Aspirations

Marilyn sacrificed her relationship with her mother and her medical school dreams upon marrying James, highlighting her struggles with identity and ambition.
James wishes for Lydia to have a fulfilling social life, contrasting with Marilyn's aspirations that she pursue a medical career.

Inner Conflicts and Secrets

Each family member harbors undocumented feelings and secrets, such as Marilyn's frustration over her lost professional aspirations and Nath's knowledge about Lydia's true desires.
James's affair exemplifies hidden turmoil, paralleling Lydia's wish for Marilyn to remain at home, indicating deep-seated family issues.

Themes and Symbolism

The narrative evokes themes of racial prejudice and gender discrimination, particularly reflected in Lydia's experiences in her predominantly white school environment.
Lydia's remains being found in the lake serves as a grim symbol of unresolved family issues and a finality to her struggles.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

After a confrontation with Marilyn, James feels belittled and hurt, revealing cracks in their relationship.
Nath's fixation on space leads to tension with James, culminating in a physical confrontation, signaling the heightened emotions within the family.

Character Observations

Hannah is portrayed as an overlooked, quiet presence in the family, often taking in the chaos around her and exhibiting a curious nature.
Marilyn’s needless calls to the Lee residence serve to illustrate her inner turmoil and sense of loss, reflecting her desperation for connection.

Climactic Moments

Despite Nath's intentions, his push of Lydia into the reservoir becomes a pivotal action that symbolizes tragic misunderstandings and unspoken grievances within the family.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first six chapters of 'Everything I Never Told You' with these flashcards. Explore key events, character details, and significant moments that set the tone for the rest of the novel. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of the book.