Reading worksheet for Section 6 of Flipped

Bryce’s family members, particularly his father and sister, seem dismissive and even somewhat hostile towards the idea of inviting the Bakers to dinner. His father is dismissive of the Bakers’ working-class status, and Lynetta openly mocks Juli’s family. These attitudes reflect the family’s narrow-mindedness, superficial values, and class prejudices. The family’s discomfort with the Bakers highlights their inability to see beyond social status and their lack of empathy for people who are different from them.

Bryce confesses the egg incident to his mother because he feels guilty and conflicted about his behavior. He recognizes that his actions were wrong, and he is seeking some form of moral support or validation. His confession reflects his growing awareness of his mistakes and a desire to make amends. It also indicates his internal struggle with his own values and how he wants to be perceived—he doesn't want to be the kind of person who hides his faults or remains dishonest.

Bryce’s attitude towards Juli changes because he begins to see her in a new light. After his growing awareness of his own faults and the impact of his actions, he starts to appreciate Juli's strengths and individuality. Her independence, confidence, and passion are qualities that Bryce finds attractive, though he’s slow to admit it. His growing interest in her reflects his evolving feelings and the shift from seeing her as someone to avoid to someone worth considering as more than just a childhood acquaintance.

How does Bryce’s internal struggle between social conformity and his growing feelings for Juli reflect the broader theme of personal growth and self-identity in the novel?

Bryce’s internal struggle represents a pivotal moment in his personal development and reflects the broader theme of self-identity. Initially, Bryce is deeply influenced by his family’s narrow-minded views and his desire to fit in with social norms. However, as he grows and begins to see Juli in a different light, he faces a conflict between maintaining the status quo and embracing his own evolving beliefs and feelings. This struggle highlights the difficulty of breaking free from societal pressures to develop a genuine sense of self. Bryce's eventual realization that he must act according to his own values, rather than those imposed by his family or peers, illustrates the journey of personal growth that many people experience as they mature. It underscores the importance of authenticity and the courage needed to challenge one's own biases and assumptions in order to form a true identity.