Podcast
Questions and Answers
What advice does Mia give to Bebe for getting her case heard?
What advice does Mia give to Bebe for getting her case heard?
Go to the press and get this issue in the news.
Did Mia give Bebe good advice?
Did Mia give Bebe good advice?
True (A)
Who decides to start working as a lawyer for the McCulloughs?
Who decides to start working as a lawyer for the McCulloughs?
Mr. Richardson
How does Izzy react to Mr. Richardson's choice to be a lawyer for the McCulloughs?
How does Izzy react to Mr. Richardson's choice to be a lawyer for the McCulloughs?
Why is Mrs. Richardson angry with Mia?
Why is Mrs. Richardson angry with Mia?
Which characters are described as not caring what others think?
Which characters are described as not caring what others think?
What does Mrs. Richardson decide to do about Mia's past?
What does Mrs. Richardson decide to do about Mia's past?
What did Elena uncover about Pauline Hawthorne?
What did Elena uncover about Pauline Hawthorne?
What exciting news does Lexie receive?
What exciting news does Lexie receive?
What does Elena order and why is she disappointed?
What does Elena order and why is she disappointed?
What is the major clue that Elena uncovers?
What is the major clue that Elena uncovers?
How is the Richardson family divided over the McCullough case?
How is the Richardson family divided over the McCullough case?
What visitation rights were granted to Bebe regarding the baby?
What visitation rights were granted to Bebe regarding the baby?
Whose side are you on - the McCulloughs or Bebe Chow?
Whose side are you on - the McCulloughs or Bebe Chow?
Why does Elena decide to take a trip to Pennsylvania?
Why does Elena decide to take a trip to Pennsylvania?
What is the setting of the story?
What is the setting of the story?
What is the major event that happens in this chapter? Who is immediately blamed by everyone?
What is the major event that happens in this chapter? Who is immediately blamed by everyone?
Describe the scene of the fire in the story. Why do the Richardsons know this probably was not an accident?
Describe the scene of the fire in the story. Why do the Richardsons know this probably was not an accident?
What do you think 'fire' might symbolize in this story?
What do you think 'fire' might symbolize in this story?
Who was sleeping in the house when the fire started?
Who was sleeping in the house when the fire started?
Who is missing?
Who is missing?
Explain where Lexie, Trip, and Moody say they were when the fire started. Is anyone's response questionable?
Explain where Lexie, Trip, and Moody say they were when the fire started. Is anyone's response questionable?
What does Trip predict his mother will do to Izzy when they find her?
What does Trip predict his mother will do to Izzy when they find her?
Moody gives a reason for why Izzy 'always acts mental.' Explain what he says.
Moody gives a reason for why Izzy 'always acts mental.' Explain what he says.
Who left town in the middle of the night, before the fire started?
Who left town in the middle of the night, before the fire started?
What literary device, regarding time, is used in this chapter?
What literary device, regarding time, is used in this chapter?
Describe the rental property on Winslow Road and who lives there.
Describe the rental property on Winslow Road and who lives there.
Shaker Heights is known for its 'rules' and its 'plans.' Explain how this is demonstrated in the houses of the town.
Shaker Heights is known for its 'rules' and its 'plans.' Explain how this is demonstrated in the houses of the town.
Explain how Mrs. Richardson regards the rental property on Winslow Road.
Explain how Mrs. Richardson regards the rental property on Winslow Road.
Who is the first of the Richardson children to meet Pearl? How does he meet her?
Who is the first of the Richardson children to meet Pearl? How does he meet her?
Analyze the quote: 'At that moment Moody had a sudden clear understanding of what had already happened that morning; his life had been divided into a before and an after, and he would always be comparing the two.'
Analyze the quote: 'At that moment Moody had a sudden clear understanding of what had already happened that morning; his life had been divided into a before and an after, and he would always be comparing the two.'
According to the beginning of the chapter, Shaker Heights strives for ____ in all things.
According to the beginning of the chapter, Shaker Heights strives for ____ in all things.
Explain what we find out about Mia's art in this chapter.
Explain what we find out about Mia's art in this chapter.
Where does Mia get a job?
Where does Mia get a job?
How does Pearl believe Shaker Heights will be different from all the other places the Warrens have lived?
How does Pearl believe Shaker Heights will be different from all the other places the Warrens have lived?
Describe how Moody feels that he is different from his siblings.
Describe how Moody feels that he is different from his siblings.
What does Pearl aspire to be when she grows up?
What does Pearl aspire to be when she grows up?
What will Moody 'question for the rest of his life'?
What will Moody 'question for the rest of his life'?
Where does Pearl begin to spend all her free time?
Where does Pearl begin to spend all her free time?
Who is President of the United States during the time this book is set?
Who is President of the United States during the time this book is set?
What is inferred in this chapter about Pearl's feelings for one of the Richardson children?
What is inferred in this chapter about Pearl's feelings for one of the Richardson children?
Explain some of the things Lexie and Trip say about their sister, Izzy.
Explain some of the things Lexie and Trip say about their sister, Izzy.
Moody feels differently about Izzy than his other siblings do. Explain.
Moody feels differently about Izzy than his other siblings do. Explain.
What is Lexie continuously curious about in this chapter?
What is Lexie continuously curious about in this chapter?
What question does Pearl ask Mia at the end of the chapter? How does Mia respond?
What question does Pearl ask Mia at the end of the chapter? How does Mia respond?
Where does Lexie take Pearl in this chapter? What influence does Lexie seem to have over Pearl?
Where does Lexie take Pearl in this chapter? What influence does Lexie seem to have over Pearl?
What is interesting about Trip's reaction to Pearl in this chapter? How does Moody react?
What is interesting about Trip's reaction to Pearl in this chapter? How does Moody react?
What does Moody buy for Pearl?
What does Moody buy for Pearl?
How does Mia react when Lexie's Explorer pulls up to the house on Winslow Road?
How does Mia react when Lexie's Explorer pulls up to the house on Winslow Road?
Explain how Lexie is feeling about college applications.
Explain how Lexie is feeling about college applications.
Explain how Mia reacts to Lexie's version of the story of Rumplestiltskin.
Explain how Mia reacts to Lexie's version of the story of Rumplestiltskin.
Who is growing uneasy about the relationship between Lexie and Pearl? Why?
Who is growing uneasy about the relationship between Lexie and Pearl? Why?
How does Lexie reward Pearl for her help? How is Moody feeling about this?
How does Lexie reward Pearl for her help? How is Moody feeling about this?
What do Lexie, Serena, and Pearl dress up as for the Halloween party?
What do Lexie, Serena, and Pearl dress up as for the Halloween party?
Explain Pearl's experience at Stacie Perry's party.
Explain Pearl's experience at Stacie Perry's party.
Who picks up Pearl from the party? Why?
Who picks up Pearl from the party? Why?
Who says the line, 'You see now... What they're like.' What does it mean?
Who says the line, 'You see now... What they're like.' What does it mean?
Explain the description of Mrs. Richardson's lifestyle in this chapter. How is she very different from Mia?
Explain the description of Mrs. Richardson's lifestyle in this chapter. How is she very different from Mia?
What is being decided in this quote: 'And then she imagined herself safely installed in the Richardsons' kingdom, half obscured in the background, keeping watch over her daughter.'
What is being decided in this quote: 'And then she imagined herself safely installed in the Richardsons' kingdom, half obscured in the background, keeping watch over her daughter.'
How does Pearl feel about Mia and Elena's 'deal'?
How does Pearl feel about Mia and Elena's 'deal'?
Why was Izzy suspended from school?
Why was Izzy suspended from school?
What does Izzy call Mia when she first meets her? Why?
What does Izzy call Mia when she first meets her? Why?
How does Mia become friendly with Izzy?
How does Mia become friendly with Izzy?
What are the rumors about Mrs. Peters, the music teacher?
What are the rumors about Mrs. Peters, the music teacher?
Who is Deja? Explain what happened with Deja and Mrs. Peters.
Who is Deja? Explain what happened with Deja and Mrs. Peters.
Who says the line, 'Well, what are you going to do about it?' Is this positive or negative encouragement for Izzy?
Who says the line, 'Well, what are you going to do about it?' Is this positive or negative encouragement for Izzy?
What poet wrote the line, 'Do I dare disturb the universe?' and why does Izzy love it?
What poet wrote the line, 'Do I dare disturb the universe?' and why does Izzy love it?
What idea does Mia give Izzy regarding the revenge Izzy gets on the school?
What idea does Mia give Izzy regarding the revenge Izzy gets on the school?
What happens to Mrs. Peters as a result of Izzy's prank?
What happens to Mrs. Peters as a result of Izzy's prank?
Describe Izzy's interest in Mia. How does she see her?
Describe Izzy's interest in Mia. How does she see her?
Where do Moody and Pearl go in this chapter?
Where do Moody and Pearl go in this chapter?
What do they discover at the museum?
What do they discover at the museum?
Why are all the kids laughing at Moody and Pearl?
Why are all the kids laughing at Moody and Pearl?
Regarding the photograph, how does Pearl feel that she went about getting this information 'all wrong'? What should she have done differently?
Regarding the photograph, how does Pearl feel that she went about getting this information 'all wrong'? What should she have done differently?
Who is most infatuated with the photograph and resolves to get answers, no matter the cost?
Who is most infatuated with the photograph and resolves to get answers, no matter the cost?
Who does Izzy go to for help?
Who does Izzy go to for help?
What do we learn about Mrs. Richardson's experiences in journalism in this chapter?
What do we learn about Mrs. Richardson's experiences in journalism in this chapter?
Who does Mrs. Richardson call at the end of the chapter, and what information does she ask?
Who does Mrs. Richardson call at the end of the chapter, and what information does she ask?
Explain the line: 'It wasn't until Izzy that the charmed row of children came to an end.' How was this pregnancy for Elena different than the others?
Explain the line: 'It wasn't until Izzy that the charmed row of children came to an end.' How was this pregnancy for Elena different than the others?
Why was Elena Richardson stricter with Izzy than with the other children? How did this overprotectiveness backfire?
Why was Elena Richardson stricter with Izzy than with the other children? How did this overprotectiveness backfire?
Where do the Richardsons attend a birthday party? Who attends?
Where do the Richardsons attend a birthday party? Who attends?
Explain Mirabelle McCullough's situation. Who is her birth mother? Where was she left?
Explain Mirabelle McCullough's situation. Who is her birth mother? Where was she left?
Who is most 'obsessed' with baby Mirabelle and can't stop talking about how cute she is?
Who is most 'obsessed' with baby Mirabelle and can't stop talking about how cute she is?
Describe the questions that Izzy asks Linda McCullough at the birthday party.
Describe the questions that Izzy asks Linda McCullough at the birthday party.
What decision does Mia make at the end of the chapter?
What decision does Mia make at the end of the chapter?
Explain Bebe's first step in trying to get her baby back.
Explain Bebe's first step in trying to get her baby back.
Study Notes
Setting and Initial Events
- The story is set in Shaker Heights, Ohio during the 1990s.
- A significant event is the house fire, which is initially blamed on Izzy, the youngest Richardson child.
- Evidence suggests the fire was deliberate, as gasoline was found and fires were set on beds, indicating foul play.
Characters and Relationships
- Elena Richardson, mother to the Richardson children, is sleeping in the house during the fire; Izzy is missing.
- The Richardson children—Lexie, Trip, and Moody—present dubious alibis for their whereabouts during the fire.
- Trip predicts their mother will seek mental health help for Izzy.
- Moody feels sympathetic towards Izzy, attributing her behavior to mistreatment by her siblings, while Lexie and Trip are critical of her.
Pearl and Mia Warren
- Mia and Pearl Warren, tenants of the Richardsons, left town shortly before the fire.
- Moody is the first of the Richardson children to meet Pearl, which marks a significant change in his life perception.
- Pearl expresses a desire for stability, hoping Shaker Heights will be their permanent home.
Themes and Symbolism
- The "fire" can symbolize underlying issues or conflicts within the Richardson family and their community.
- Shaker Heights is characterized by attempts at perfection and strict adherence to social norms.
- Mrs. Richardson has a complex relationship with her rental property, believing she is helping those in need while feeling a sense of ownership.
Interpersonal Dynamics
- Lexie and Trip mold their identities through social interactions, with Lexie taking Pearl under her wing for a makeover.
- Moody's jealousy intensifies as he feels Pearl is drifting away from him while developing friendships with Lexie and Trip.
- Mia's role becomes increasingly intertwined with the Richardson family's life, leading to conflicts over their differing values.
Conflict and Tension
- The Richardson family's dynamics are strained as secrets surface, particularly concerning Mia's past and the impact of choices made by the characters, such as Mrs. Richardson's investigations into Mia's background.
- Izzy expresses her frustration with authority figures, leading to actions that cause her trouble at school and strained relations with her mother.
Legal and Ethical Issues
- Bebe Chow, Mirabelle’s biological mother, seeks to reclaim her child after leaving her at a fire station due to postpartum depression.
- The story explores ownership, rights to motherhood, and the implications of custody through the experiences of Mia, Bebe, and the McCullough family, raising ethical dilemmas.
Final Decisions and Consequences
- Mia’s decision to reveal Mirabelle's location to Bebe initiates a legal struggle, angering Mrs. Richardson and causing tensions within her family.
- Izzy's rebellious spirit echoes Mia's independent nature, suggesting themes of freedom versus societal expectations.
- The response from the community reflects deeper social issues, particularly regarding race and privilege, as seen in the parallel stories of Bebe and the McCullough family.
Moments of Connection
- Characters evolve through their interactions, particularly Moody’s realization of his feelings for Pearl and Izzy’s growing connection with Mia, who she wishes was her mother.
- Pearl grapples with her identity and relationships, feeling overshadowed yet seeking her path amidst peer pressures and family dynamics.### Pauline Hawthorne
- Pauline Hawthorne was a professor at the New York School of Fine Arts.
- Mia Wright, later known as Mia Warren, was a student of Hawthorne while attending this school.
- A significant detail emerges that no student named Mia Warren existed in Hawthorne's classes, only a Mia Wright.
Lexie's Exciting News
- Lexie receives an acceptance letter from Yale University.
- To celebrate, Mrs. Richardson organizes a girls' brunch.
- Mrs. Richardson's ulterior motive is to have Pearl attend the brunch to discuss her mother, hoping to gather more information.
Irony in Shaker Heights Motto
- Elena describes Shaker Heights as a place of equality and diversity.
- This statement is ironic as Elena herself does not actually believe or practice equality among residents.
Elena's Disappointment
- Elena orders Pearl's birth certificate from the San Francisco Office of Vital Records.
- Disappointment arises when the birth certificate indicates "NONE" under the father’s name.
Major Clue Uncovered
- Elena discovers an obituary for a Warren Wright.
- The obituary reveals the existence of a sister named Mia, suggesting a possible family connection.
Division in the Richardson Family
- The Richardson family is split over the McCullough case:
- Moody and Izzy side with Bebe Chow.
- Trip and Lexie show support for the McCulloughs.
- Mr. and Mrs. Richardson strongly align with the McCulloughs.
Bebe Chow's Visitation Rights
- Bebe is granted visitation rights for her child during the ongoing case.
- She is allowed a weekly visit for two hours, supervised, in a public setting.
Personal Stance on the Case
- Preference for the McCulloughs as they are the child's adoptive parents.
- Bebe's choice to give up her daughter influences this decision.
Elena's Trip to Pennsylvania
- Elena travels to Pennsylvania because Mia was born there.
- She aims to investigate Mia's family background close to Pittsburgh.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the first twelve chapters of 'Little Fires Everywhere.' This quiz covers key settings, major events, and critical scenes, allowing you to dive deeper into the plot and characters. Perfect for fans looking to refresh their understanding of the book.
