SHAWN
How did Shawn fall?
He lost balance and fell of a wooden pallet.
Calling 911 isn't something any of the family has done before. What does this moment reveal about Tara’s hopes for Shawn and her family’s future? Does it show that she still believes they can change and accept outside help, or does it deepen her worry that lasting change isn’t possible?
How did Tara's mother react when she decided to no longer go to college?
She was upset and wanted Tara to break away from the family.
When Tara decides not to go to college and her mom gets upset, what does this show about what Tara’s mom really wants for her? How are her mom’s hopes different from the dad’s?
What was Tyler studying?
Mechanical engineering.
In what ways does the mix of care, trust, and unspoken understanding between Tyler and Tara shape their overall sibling relationship throughout Educated?
What does Tara's dad call her mom's knowledge about herbs?
"God's pharmacy."
How does Tara wanting to go to college and her dad saying women should stay home show their different dreams and beliefs? What does this tell us about their relationship and the struggles they face with each other?
What did Shawn start to wear that disrespected his father?
A leather hat.
What does Shawn wearing the hat both to cover his surgery scars and to annoy his dad show about his personality? How does this choice reveal his mix of pride, hurt, and rebellion, and what does it tell us about his relationship with his dad and the rest of the family?
At what age did Tara hope and plan to be married at?
18 or 19 years old.
Tara says she wants to become a midwife like her mom as well after marriage, even though she is starting to question her family’s way of life. What does this desire reveal about her connection to her family’s beliefs and traditions, and how does it show the tension between wanting independence and wanting acceptance?
Why did Tyler suggest for Tara to buy books?
To study for the ACT to get into college.
What does this reveal about his hopes for her future and his belief in education? How does this moment challenge the expectations of their family and deepen our understanding of Tyler’s role in Tara’s life?
After Tara and her mother's discussion about no longer wanting to attend college, how does her mother's behaviors change when her dad enters the room?
She becomes more compliant.
Why do you think Tara’s mom quickly changes how she acts when her dad walks in? What does this show about how much her mom follows or fears her dad, and how does that affect Tara’s choices?
Who helped Shawn with Tara after his big bike accident?
Dwain.
How does Tara’s decision to take Shawn with Dwain to the hospital, despite her father’s strong belief in home healing, show her growing independence and changing view of her family’s rules and control?
Where would Tara study to avoid her father?
At grandma-over-in-town's house.
What does Tara choosing to study at Grandma-over-in-town’s house show about the trust and support between them? How does this safe space help Tara grow and stand up to her father’s strict rules?
What university was Tyler attending at the end of Chapter 16?
Purdue University.
What does Tara not wanting to bother Tyler after all his help show about their relationship? How does this moment reveal her respect for him, her independence, and the way they support each other?
What did Tara's dad say when she found out she got into a school?
He thought their homeschooled education was as good as any other.
How does Tara’s dad saying their homeschooling is as good as any other show his strong belief that Tara should stay within the family’s way of life instead of going to college? How does this belief shape the rules he sets for her future and the choices she feels she can make?