real educatedd

Chapter 3-4 (1st car crash)

How does Westover portray injury and danger as normalized? Why is this important?

Westover makes injury and danger seem normal by quickly describing them superficially, passing by them like its nothing of large importance, but just a typical thing. Moreover, Westover does not point out the emotions or grim facial expressions they may have, which dulls the severity of danger and makes the people seem used to being hurt. Normalizing damage is important because it allows the reader to understand their indifference and commonality to injury and danger early on for a better reading experience in the later chapters where injuries are frequent.

Chapter 3-4

What does Tara begin to learn about power and authority within her family?

Tara begins to learn about her dad’s power and authority within her family when he orders them to pack up and get ready to start the drive back to Buck’s Peak without much retaliation despite her mom’s worries.

Chapter 5-6

How does Tara’s understanding of gender roles develop in these chapters?

Tara’s understanding of gender roles develop through her dad’s lectures to Tyler about how a man should not be studying books but doing practical work like scrapping or welding. Additionally, Tara experienced the dangerous and tough expectations for a man in the scrapyard when her dad took her in since he needed a crew.

Chapters 5–6

What role does religious belief play in justifying family behavior?

Religious belief plays a huge role in justifying Tara and her mom and dad’s behavior. For example, in the scrapyard, when Tara was complaining about her dad’s dangerous actions, her dad stated that it is fine since the angels will protect her. Her mother justified her muscle testing by explaining that it was a kind of prayer. Tara took influence from her parents and applied it to whatever they applied it to.

In what ways does Tara’s father shape her understanding of the outside world? How does fear function as a controlling force?

• Tara describes never having a birth certificate or medical records and not attending school, which establishes her separation from society.

• The family lives on Buck’s Peak, physically removed from town, reinforcing social and cultural isolation.