Instructions for Dancing

Evie has a distinct voice, including many moments of humor. In which chapters did you hear Evie’s voice most prominently? How did Yoon develop this voice, and how does it make Evie come off? For instance, what personality traits does Evie have based on her voice? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

Evie’s father tells her “to love is human” and that love is the “question and the answer and the reason to ask in the first place. It’s everything” (248). What do you think this quote means? Do you agree or disagree with this quote?

Imagine if the novel were told from both Evie’s and X’s perspective. How would X’s perspective differ from Evie’s? Choose one chapter from the novel and rewrite it from X’s perspective. How does your rewritten chapter change the tone and plot of the novel?

Evie’s beliefs and decisions are influenced by her visions, family, friends, and X. Which source helps her grow the most and why? How does she learn from this source?

There are many conflicts in the story, both internal and interpersonal. Which conflict is most poignant to you and why? What literary devices, such as flashbacks, does Yoon use to showcase your chosen conflict?

Why do you think Yoon decided to have X die in the near future? What is the impact of this decision? For instance, how does it change Evie? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

Taking Risks is a major theme in the novel. In what ways do characters embody this theme? Why do you think they take their respective risks? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

When Fifi says that Evie and X have their dancing techniques down but are “smoke without fire” (81), what do you think this quote means? How does Yoon use this metaphor to foreshadow other plot points?