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Chapter 4
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Finding Audrey, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Social Anxiety and Isolation
Therapy, Healing, and Recovery
Acceptance, Judgment, and Parenting
Bullying and Trauma
Creativity, Empowerment, and Finding One’s Voice
Summary
Analysis
In February, there was a “big scandal” at Audrey’s school, which led to three girls being expelled from the school. Audrey’s parents also took Audrey out of school immediately, and Audrey went to the hospital to stay for six weeks not long after. Before Audrey left school, she had been a straight-A student and a star athlete, though she had been anxious then, too, and couldn’t stand the attention that her academic and athletic success brought her. Now, there are certain people whom Audrey feels comfortable around, including her family and Dr. Sarah. But most people make Audrey panic. Chris tells Audrey that it’s natural that Audrey feels that way because she’s been through something traumatic and needs time to recover. Audrey feels like she’s stuck in her brain.
This passage provides more context about the trauma that Audrey experienced at school in February. Namely, whatever happened led to three girls being expelled from school, and caused Audrey to enter the mental health wing of a hospital, suggesting that perhaps the three girls did something to cause Audrey extreme emotional distress. This context also suggests that Audrey has been prone to anxiety for a long time, even when things appeared to be going well. Chris then shows once more that he is a supportive and empathetic parent as he offers emotional support to Audrey when Audrey’s anxiety causes her distress.
Active
Themes
