Character Clues
This character returns to his sister’s wedding after being away for three years.
Amir
Hadia is celebrating a major life event in this excerpt.
Her wedding?
Amir takes pride in greeting the guests, showing that he wants to fulfill this responsibility at the wedding. What does this show?
Amir wanted to fulfill his duty as the bride's brother?
The author includes details about golden chandeliers, colorful dresses, and music to create this type of atmosphere.
A joyful or celebratory atmosphere.
What is the main event bringing the family together?
Hadia's wedding.
This character invited Amir to the wedding and could not imagine her wedding day without him.
Hadia
Hadia is marrying this man, whom she chose for herself.
Tariq
Why does Amir feel comfort when he sees the familiar faces at the wedding?
Because they remind him of his family and his previous sense of belonging.
The author describes Amir fixing his tie and smoothing his hair primarily to show this about his character.
His nervousness and concern about how others see him.
What is one major conflict Amir faces in the excerpt?
He struggles with whether he truly belongs with his family after being away for three years.
Amir touching his tie and smoothing his hair suggests that he is feeling this emotion.
Nervousness or anxiety?
Hadia is relieved when she sees Amir, but her relief is accompanied by this feeling.
Worry?
What can readers infer from Amir thinking he needs to “play the part”?
He feels he is pretending to be the person he used to be, rather than naturally feeling he belongs.
The phrase “the old shadow of worry” is an example of this type of figurative language.
What is a metaphor?
What does the excerpt reveal about the relationship between Amir and Hadia?
They remain emotionally connected despite Amir's long absence and lack of communication.
What will people say about Amir because he has been away for three years?
Where he has been and how he has been doing
Hadia practiced what she would say to her parents to make sure they would allow her to do this.
Invite Amir to the wedding.
What does Hadia's prayer reveal about her relationship with her father?
She is uncertain whether her father will support her decision to invite Amir.
Why does the author include Amir's thoughts instead of only describing his actions?
To reveal his internal conflict and help readers understand that his return is emotionally difficult.
What does the wedding symbolize for Amir?
It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his family and regain his sense of belonging.
What is Amir's internal struggle between his desire to return to his family and his feelings?
Uncertainty about whether he still belongs.
Hadia's statement, “I could not imagine this day without him,” reveals that despite their years of separation, she still feels this way about Amir.
A strong emotional connection to her brother.
Hadia appears confident when speaking to others, but her private thoughts reveal something different. What does this contrast show?
She has learned to appear confident even though she is privately worried and uncertain about Amir and her family's reaction
Why does the author contrast the happiness of the wedding with Amir's uncertainty?
To show that a joyful family celebration can also bring painful memories, anxiety, and questions about belonging.
Hadia's statement, “I could not imagine this day without him,” reveals that despite their years of separation, she still feels this way about Amir.
A strong emotional connection to her brother?