Pre-Reading Activity:

Exploring Themes and

Context in "Everything I
Never Told You" by
Celeste Ng
Get ready to dive into the world of Celeste Ng's debut novel "Everything I
Never Told You". This pre-reading activity will help you explore the themes
and context of the story.

by Priscila
Bordon
The Story at a Glance

The Lee Family Lydia's Disappearance The Outcome

Introduces the Lee family- Lydia goes missing, and the The novel unravels the cause of
James, Marilyn, Nath, Lydia, story explores how it affects Lydia's disappearance and the
and Hannah- and establishes each member of the Lee family impact it has on the family.
the setting of the story. differently.
Themes: What the Story Explores
Racism and Prejudice
The impact of being different in a society
where one race is expected to assimilate and
conform with the majority.

1 2 3

Family Expectations Secrets and Lies

How the burden of parental expectations can The consequences of keeping secrets and the
impact children's identity formation. ripple effect it can have on everyone involved.
Context: Historical and Social Background

The 1960s in America
A brief overview of the civil
rights movement, feminism,
and other major social
changes of the time that
shaped the novel's context.
The Lee Family's Mixed
Heritage
How the novel's setting in
the Midwest shapes the
family's racial identity and
how that affects the way
the characters relate to
themselves and others.
The American Dream
The expectations for
upward mobility and
success that shape the Lee
family's desires and
expectations.
Pre-Reading Activity: Discussion Prompts

Character Predictions Personal Connections Critical Analysis

What are your predictions for
each of the characters-
James, Marilyn, Nath, Lydia,
and Hannah? What do you
think their motivations and
challenges will be?
Can you relate to any of the
themes or events in the novel
on a personal level? How have
similar experiences impacted
your family or community?
How do you think the novel
explores the themes of family,
identity, and racism? What
techniques does Celeste Ng
use to build tension and
create a sense of mystery?
Conclusion & Review
• An overview of the novel and its key themes
• A summary of what the pre-reading activity entails and how it can
help students engage with the story
• An encouragement to share insights and continue the discussion
in class