Not only does this opening line provide the story’s plot, but it also sets the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/tone/">tone</a>. “The dad,” a nameless character defined only by his relationship with his daughter, is characterized as someone on a mission to get to know his daughter. In not providing character names at the onset, the dad and his daughter are instantly universal—they are representatives of their respective positions and generational divide. While <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/likes/major-character-analysis/#592005">Ivy</a> is named, <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/likes/major-character-analysis/#592000">Dave</a> is “the dad” until the very end of the story, illustrating the alienation he feels from his child.

The lack of <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/context/">context</a> in Ivy’s Instagram post is confusing to her dad, which symbolizes how disconnected he feels. He doesn’t know what store is pictured, and the aesthetic details that attract <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/likes/major-character-analysis/#592005">Ivy</a> are lost on him. He knows he is supposed to derive meaning from these photos, but he cannot figure out what the meaning is.

<a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/likes/major-character-analysis/#592000">Dave</a> is sitting in the waiting room listening to his daughter engage in vibrant conversation with her physical therapist. He feels disconnected, wondering why his daughter, who was so silent in the car, is now so animated.

Race & Ethnicity

Asian American & Pacific Islander Literature

Life & Time

Coming-of-Age Journeys

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Community

Relationships

Daughters & Sons

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Fathers

Emotions & Behavior

Fear

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Magical Realism

The Best of "Best Book" Lists

Sarah Shun-lien Bynum

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Overview

Get ready to explore Likes and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Likes

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