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Questions and Answers
What issues has the Lee family created in their foundation?
Irreparable cracks due to not talking about their issues
Why does Lydia smile when asked, go where she is expected, and excel academically?
To keep her mother happy
What is Lydia hiding?
How she is failing Physics
What does Nath's acceptance to Harvard reveal about his relationship with Lydia?
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Why does Lydia admit that she is failing Physics?
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What does Lydia telling everyone she is failing Physics lead to?
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What does the book on how to make friends symbolize for Lydia?
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What do Lydia's blue eyes symbolize for her father, James?
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What effect do communication struggles have on the Lee family?
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Study Notes
Family Dynamics
- The Lee family avoids discussing their unresolved issues, resulting in significant emotional distance and dysfunction.
- Lydia feels unable to voice her concerns, indicating a lack of open communication within the family.
Lydia's Motivation
- Lydia's constant desire to please her mother stems from the fear of abandonment, believing her mother will stay if she is happy.
- Maintaining a façade of success, she performs well academically and conforms to expectations despite her inner struggles.
Academic Struggles
- Lydia conceals her failure in Physics, reflecting her deep-seated inability to confront problems and a struggle for self-identity.
Nath and Lydia's Relationship
- Nath's acceptance to Harvard threatens to unravel his relationship with Lydia, leading her to panic and hide his acceptance letter.
- Feeling isolated, Lydia perceives Nath as her only true confidant and fears losing that connection.
Seeking Control
- Lydia admits to failing Physics as a means of reclaiming control over her chaotic life.
Shifting Family Focus
- Lydia's confession about her academic struggles shifts family attention away from Nath’s achievements, exacerbating sibling rivalry and parental neglect.
- James, proud of Nath’s accomplishments, inadvertently overlooks Lydia's needs, which leads to feelings of resentment in Nath.
Cultural Pressures
- A book on making friends given by Lydia's father symbolizes his pressures for her to assimilate into white American culture, reflecting his unfulfilled aspirations.
- James' unrealistic expectations for Lydia to fit into mainstream society create an underlying tension and pressure on her identity.
Symbolism of Blue Eyes
- Lydia's blue eyes serve as a metaphor for James' unresolved desires to belong and fit into American society, projecting his dreams onto her.
Communication Breakdown
- The lack of effective communication renders the Lee family as virtual strangers, highlighting the fragility of their relationships.
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Description
This quiz focuses on Chapter 7 of 'Everything I Never Told You' by Celeste Ng. It explores key concepts and character motivations, particularly Lydia's struggles and family dynamics. Test your understanding of the text through these flashcards.
