Lydia's Story Questions

1)      Brideau’s main point was to tell a remarkable story about a woman who “represents the essence of hope and determination in the face of terrible adversity.” This is indicated at the end, but throughout the story Brideau hints at how courageous Lydia was, and how she stayed so strong-minded in the most daunting of times.

2)      The point of view was past tense and written mostly in third person, but at the ending paragraph, first person. Brideau told Lydia’s story for Lydia. The impact it has is less shocking then how it would be if Lydia were telling it. Anytime someone experiences something as intense and petrifying as Lydia did, the story told first hand is always more remarkable.

3)      Brideau made her narrative “come alive” because every detail of the story she was telling, left you on the edge of your seat. (“Struck by, toxic, illuminated, eager, cramped, cracked, dry, terrified, strong current, rushing like the Colorado River, determination, terrible adversity.”) All these words appeal to the readers’ emotions because they depict such audacity and strength, but also heartache and grief.

4)      The audience for this piece could possibly be people like Brideau who wanted to come and be of assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Or anyone involved of serving the victims of Katrina in health care. Brideau’s tone suits those readers because workers in health care are sensitive to stories and situations like these. Brideau shows heartache for Lydia in how she tells her story, and health care workers would also be sensitive to those emotions. “It’s Lydia’s story that stays with me most…” “We were struck by the chemical order of a cleaning solution so strong that it seemed toxic.” (Shows sympathy for the victims.)