Characters
The protagonist accused of aiding a terrorist attack.
Who is Jivan?
(At least one piece of) Specific evidence that is used against Jivan in court to support the accusation of terrorism.
What are a Facebook post, a bag of kerosene found in her possession, and coerced witness statements?
How A Burning addresses the theme of social inequality.
What is showing how Jivan’s class and background makes her an easy target for systemic oppression?
The character who says “I am innocent, but is that enough?” and what it reveals.
Who is Jivan, and what is showing her fear that truth won’t protect her in a biased system?
Nationalist attitudes in India towards foreign content found on social media, and how it is weaponized against Jivan.
What is Facebook being attributed to Jivan’s radicalization, and causing youth to become anti-national?
Jivan's former teacher who becomes politically ambitious.
Who is PT Sir?
The tragic event that marks the start of Jivan’s legal troubles.
What is a terrorist attack on a train that kills many passengers?
What the novel suggests about ambition through PT Sir’s storyline.
What is showing how ambition can lead to moral compromises and personal corruption?
What PT Sir saying, “If I don’t take this opportunity, will another come?” reflects about him.
What is PT Sir's ambition to be part of something greater, willing to prioritize his personal rise over morality?
What PT Sir’s rise in the political party reveals about power in society.
What is showing how power is often built on compromise, manipulation, and betrayal?
The reason why Lovely’s testimony is crucial to Jivan’s case, and how her identity complicates it.
What is Lovely confirming Jivan’s alibi, but her position as a hijra making her hesitant to face societal judgment and risks to her career?
The action(s) which Lovely takes to pursue her acting dream.
What is auditioning for roles and practices diligently to refine her craft?
The theme of personal identity that is reflected in Lovely’s character.
What is struggling to balance identity as a hijra with aspirations to be accepted as an actress?
Lovely says, “The world thinks we are a joke, but I will show them.” How does this reflect her mindset?
What is highlighting Lovely's determination to prove herself and gain respect as a hijra?
How Lovely’s identity as a hijra is portrayed in the context of societal discrimination.
What is facing ridicule and prejudice while fighting to have a space for herself?
The role Jivan’s father plays in shaping her values and approach to life.
What is someone full of optimism, even when she faces oppression?
How PT Sir's increasing involvement in politics begins to change him.
What is becoming more focused on personal gain and losing sight of moral principles?
How the novel explores the theme of justice.
What is a critique on the lack of fairness in the judicial system and how public opinion sways legal outcomes?
What Jivan means when she says, “Even silence can be dangerous."
What is showing Jivan's awareness that inaction or passivity can also lead to punishment in an unjust society?
What Jivan’s case reveals about justice for marginalized communities.
What is showing how biases in the system lead to wrongful accusations and lack of proper defense?
The character most symbolic of betrayal in the novel.
Who is PT Sir, who prioritizes his political ambitions over loyalty to Jivan?
The significance of Jivan’s interaction with the journalist in prison.
What is Jivan's attempt to share her side of the story and gain public support, despite the biased narrative against her?
How A Burning portrays the power dynamics between the privileged and the marginalized.
What is the privileged using their power to control the narrative?
The person who says “A small act, and now my life is over.”
Who is Jivan?
How the train fire symbolize larger societal issues in the novel.
What is how tragedy is politicized and used to scapegoat vulnerable groups?