At its core, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is all about the importance of family. Even as Lia's condition worsens, the family grows even tighter as a result, with her parents struggling to make sense of her seizures and her sibs doing their best to make their baby sister's life as comfortable as possible. Sure, there are times when Nao Kao and Foua are barely keeping it together. But in the end, they realize that keeping their family together is the most important thing they can do—no matter the cost.
Questions About Family
- Compare and contrast Hmong and American views on family.
- Was Neil right to have Lia taken away from her home?
- Are Nao Kao and Foua good parents? Why or why not?
- How are Lia's siblings affected by their sister's illness?
Chew on This
No matter what happens, Nao Kao and Foua reveal themselves to be truly exceptional parents, even by already-high Hmong standards.
Although Neil had the best of intentions, taking Lia away from her home and her family is the worst possible thing he could have done to her.