vocabulary for book brah

Question 1

innocuous

Answer 1

not harmful or offensive

Question 2

tenure

Answer 2

give (someone) a permanent post, especially as a teacher or professor.

Question 3

whorl

Answer 3

a pattern of spirals or concentric circles

Question 4

impale

Answer 4

pierce or transfix with a sharp instrument

Question 5

filch

Answer 5

pilfer or steal (something, especially a thing of small value) in a casual way.

Question 6

frivolous

Answer 6

not having any serious purpose or value

Question 7

dawdle

Answer 7

waste time; be slow.

Question 8

wistful

Answer 8

showing or evoking a sad longing for an often idealized past

Question 9

obstinate

Answer 9

stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

Question 10

demure

Answer 10

reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman).

Question 11

plaintive

Answer 11

showing or expressing sorrow : mournful, sad. a plaintive sigh

Question 12

solicitous

Answer 12

showing attentive care or protectiveness

Question 13

insolent

Answer 13

showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.

Question 14

kowtow

Answer 14

act in an excessively subservient manner

Question 15

umbrage

Answer 15

offense or annoyance

Question 16

coterie

Answer 16

an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose

Question 17

talisman

Answer 17

an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck

Question 18

lithe

Answer 18

(especially of a person’s body) thin, supple, and graceful

Question 19

unabashed

Answer 19

not ashamed, embarrassed, or shy about something

Question 20

ID the use of italics

Answer 20

In screenplay scripts, italics are often used to indicate actions or directions for the characters or to emphasize certain elements, such as sounds or important visual details.

Question 21

Describe the style of narration

Answer 21

The style of narration in “Everything I Never Told You” is primarily third-person omniscient, allowing the reader insight into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, while also providing an overarching perspective on the events and themes of the story.

Question 22

Significance of Marilyn’s flashback memory?

Answer 22

In chapter 1 of “Everything I Never Told You,” Marilyn’s flashback memory serves to establish her character’s complex emotions and desires, particularly her longing for independence and fulfillment beyond societal expectations, setting the stage for the themes of identity and societal pressures that unfold throughout the novel.

Question 23

What steps does Marilyn take in order to find her daughter?

Answer 23

In “Everything I Never Told You,” Marilyn takes several steps to find her daughter, Lydia, including contacting the police, distributing flyers, and reaching out to friends and acquaintances for any information or leads on Lydia’s whereabouts. Additionally, she delves into Lydia’s personal belongings and investigates her relationships and activities to piece together clues about her disappearance.

Question 24

Anything strange about the conversation between James and Louisa?

Answer 24

In “Everything I Never Told You,” the conversation between James and Louisa is fraught with tension and reveals underlying issues in their relationship, including James’s dissatisfaction with his career and Louisa’s frustration with their marriage dynamics. Additionally, there may be subtle hints or unspoken tensions that contribute to the overall atmosphere of unease in their interaction.

Question 25

This, Nath knows, is why his parents write their names on the list with such confidence.

Answer 25

Nath realizes that his parents write their names on the list with confidence because they believe they are well-liked and respected in the community, leading them to assume they will receive the necessary support in times of need.

Question 26

What realizations do Lydia’s parents have about their understanding of her?

Answer 26

Lydia's parents in "Everything I Never Told You" come to realize that they never fully understood her inner thoughts and struggles, despite their assumptions about her happiness and fulfillment. They recognize the depth of her loneliness and the weight of their expectations on her, leading to a profound sense of guilt and remorse.

Question 27

Who is the primary suspect now? ( chapter 1 )

Answer 27

In chapter 1 of "Everything I Never Told You," there isn't necessarily a clear primary suspect identified. The focus is more on the disappearance of Lydia and the family's reactions to it, rather than the investigation of a specific suspect. However, as the story progresses, various characters may become suspects or be involved in the investigation in different ways.

Question 28

In what way is Marilyn like her mother? Why is this significant? What is the paradox of Marilyn’s life? What is the significance of the pill on p27.

Answer 28

Marilyn is like her mother in her desire for independence and education, as both women seek fulfillment beyond traditional gender roles. This is significant as it highlights a generational pattern of women striving for autonomy and self-actualization. The paradox of Marilyn's life lies in her pursuit of academic and professional success while simultaneously conforming to societal expectations of motherhood and domesticity. This internal conflict reflects the tension between her personal aspirations and societal norms. The significance of the pill on page 27 lies in its representation of Marilyn's internal struggle with her identity and the choices she's made. The pill symbolizes her desire to control her own life and body, yet it also serves as a reminder of the constraints imposed upon her by societal expectations and the sacrifices she's had to make.

Question 29

Describe Marilyn and James’ origin story. What bold move does Marilyn make and why does she think they have something in common?

Answer 29

Marilyn and James' origin story involves Marilyn making a bold move by approaching James, a popular graduate student, and asking him out on a date. She believes they have something in common because they both feel like outsiders—James as the only Asian student and Marilyn as one of the few female physics students. This shared sense of being different draws them together and forms the basis of their connection.

Question 30

List adjectives that Celeste Ng uses to describe James and create your own description of James based on that list.

Answer 30

Adjectives used to describe James in "Everything I Never Told You" include: 1. Quiet 2. Stoic 3. Reserved 4. Scholarly 5. Ambitious 6. Meticulous 7. Focused 8. Intense 9. Dedicated Based on these adjectives, James can be described as a reserved and scholarly individual, deeply dedicated to his studies and driven by ambition. He approaches life with quiet intensity, meticulously focused on his goals, and maintains a stoic demeanor even in the face of challenges.

Question 31

Describe James’ immigration origin story and his relationship to his parents. How does Harvard factor into his origin story?

Answer 31

James' immigration origin story involves his parents immigrating to the United States from China. They came seeking better opportunities for their family, sacrificing much in the process. James' relationship with his parents is characterized by a sense of duty and gratitude, as he feels indebted to them for their sacrifices. Harvard factors into James' origin story as a symbol of achievement and success. James sees attending Harvard as a validation of his parents' sacrifices and his own hard work. It represents an opportunity for him to fulfill his potential and make his family proud, while also navigating the challenges of being an Asian immigrant in a predominantly white institution.

Question 32

What concessions does Marilyn have to make because of her pregnancy?

Answer 32

Due to her pregnancy, Marilyn has to make several concessions, including putting her academic and career aspirations on hold, sacrificing her own ambitions for the sake of her family, and assuming more traditional gender roles as a wife and mother.

Question 33

What is Marilyn’s mother’s reaction to James?

Answer 33

Marilyn's mother's reaction to James is one of disappointment and disapproval. She sees James as someone who will hold Marilyn back from her academic and professional ambitions, and she expresses concern that Marilyn's relationship with James will prevent her from achieving her full potential.

Question 34

What is the significance of the reference to the loving’s on p55?

Answer 34

The reference to the Lovings on page 55 likely alludes to Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose landmark Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia, overturned laws banning interracial marriage in the United States. This reference underscores the societal challenges and prejudices faced by interracial couples like James and Marilyn, highlighting the complexities of their relationship within the context of historical discrimination and social norms.

Question 35

Discuss the structure of the novel so far. Why jump back in time?

Answer 35

So far, the novel employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping back and forth in time to explore the characters' pasts and present experiences. This structure allows the reader to gain insight into the characters' backgrounds, motivations, and relationships, while also building tension and suspense around the central mystery of Lydia's disappearance. Jumping back in time serves several purposes. Firstly, it provides context for the characters' actions and decisions in the present timeline. By delving into their pasts, the reader gains a deeper understanding of their personalities and the events that have shaped them. Secondly, it allows the author to gradually reveal key information about the characters and the plot, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery. Lastly, it adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing for the exploration of themes such as family dynamics, identity, and societal pressures from multiple perspectives and time periods.

Question 36

What does Jack know about Lydia? Has he become a prime suspect in your mind and why or why not?

Answer 36

Jack knows more about Lydia than he initially lets on, as he has been secretly observing her from afar and harbors feelings for her. However, it's unclear whether he has any direct involvement in her disappearance at this point in the story. As for whether Jack has become a prime suspect, it depends on the reader's interpretation of the events and clues presented in the novel. While Jack's secretive behavior and obsession with Lydia may raise suspicions, there isn't enough evidence to definitively label him as the prime suspect. Other characters and factors could also be at play in Lydia's disappearance, so it's important to consider all possibilities before drawing conclusions.

Question 37

What are some things that Marilyn finds in Lydia’s room? In what way does this scene reveal just how little Marilyn knew Lydia? Is there anything that Marilyn thinks to be true, but that we know to be false?

Answer 37

In Lydia's room, Marilyn finds various items that reveal aspects of Lydia's life that she was unaware of, such as: 1. Marilyn discovers a stack of letters addressed to Lydia from Harvard University, indicating Lydia's desire to attend the university, which Marilyn was unaware of. 2. Marilyn finds a copy of the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, suggesting Lydia's efforts to fit in and be liked, which Marilyn had not realized. 3. Marilyn comes across a note from Nath, indicating a close relationship between the siblings, of which Marilyn had little knowledge. This scene reveals just how little Marilyn knew about Lydia's inner thoughts, desires, and struggles. Despite her efforts to be a supportive and involved parent, Marilyn realizes that there were significant aspects of Lydia's life that she was unaware of, highlighting a disconnect between them. One thing that Marilyn thinks to be true, but that the reader knows to be false, is Marilyn's belief that Lydia was happy and fulfilled in her life. The discoveries in Lydia's room suggest otherwise, revealing that Lydia was grappling with her own insecurities, desires, and aspirations that she kept hidden from her mother.

Question 38

Explain the shift in narration towards the end of the chapter 5? Why do this and how does this impact the reader?

Answer 38

Towards the end of chapter 5, there is a shift in narration from the third-person limited perspective focusing on Marilyn's thoughts and actions to a more omniscient perspective that provides insight into Lydia's inner thoughts and feelings. This shift allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Lydia's perspective and experiences, which have been largely hidden from the other characters and the reader up to this point. By revealing Lydia's inner thoughts and struggles, the shift in narration adds depth to her character and enhances the reader's empathy towards her. It also builds suspense and anticipation as the reader becomes more invested in Lydia's storyline and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Additionally, the shift in narration underscores the theme of miscommunication and misunderstanding within the Lee family, as it highlights the disconnect between Lydia's internal reality and the perceptions of those around her.

Question 39

peremptory

Answer 39

(especially of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate