We Were Liars

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/we-were-liars

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote We Were Liars?Characterized by lyrical prose and exploration of complex emotional themes
2. What is the literary genre?Young adult fiction, mystery, drama
3. What is the narrative perspective?First-person, often unreliable narrator (Cadence)
4. What is "We Were Liars" about?It is a story about a rich family who spends summers on a private island, a secret summer adventure, and how a traumatic event changes their lives.
5. Who is Cadence and why is she important?Cadence is the main character. She remembers the summer but her memories are broken, so she helps us learn the truth.

Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, often due to bias, mental state, or deception.
Psychological Defense Mechanism: Unconscious strategies used to protect oneself from anxiety or unacceptable thoughts.
Thematic Depth: The exploration of profound and significant ideas or messages within a literary work.
Privilege: Special rights or advantages enjoyed by a particular person or group due to their social status or wealth.