Lydia's Story Analysis (p.131)

1)It seems to me that Brideau's main point is that there is a remarkable capacity for determination in the human race even when faced with mind-numbing challenges and that hope can bring light to the darkest loss.  Her anecdote does a beautiful job of illustrating this point, which she spells out in her concluding line.

2)The primary point of view of "Lydia's Story" was "Lydia's" point of view.  This perspective gives the readers a window into that scene of her life, allowing us to experience it as best we can without actually living through it.  This means that the anecdote is imprinted into our brains with more emotion than it would otherwise be.

3)Brideau brings her narrative to life by using her words to open the window onto the scene she describes.  Words such as: Slender, neatly, (these words present Lydia as a nice person perhaps perceived as delicate and nonthreatening, thus her survival gives her the appearance of great mental/emotional strength.) Precarious, (evokes sympathy).  Spurting, (provokes a visual to emphasize the true terror the situation).

4)The audience would likely be others in the medical professional field.  Brideau's tone gives them a look into what they may see, some of which is from a closer perspective then another profession might provide. Words and phrases such as the following set the tone; "Chemical odor of cleaning solution", "abscessed tooth", "water pressure", "she had gone to nursing school", "physician", "double hurricane".