Plot
Why did Mr. Pirzada come to the US? (specify location)
Mr. Pirzada came to the US on a grant to study the foliage of New England.
"But what does she learn about the world? What is she learning?"
Lilia's Father
Where is Mr. Pirzada from? (specify city)
Mr. Pirzada is from Dacca, East Pakistan/Bangladesh.
Which half of Pakistan was fighting for autonomy during their Civil War?
What does Lilia lie to her father about knowing during their conversation in the beginning of the story? (Hint: Pakistan)
She lies about being aware of the "current situation" in Pakistan: that East Pakistan was fighting for sovereignty.
What does Mr. Pirzada notice on people's doorsteps that confuses him?
He sees pumpkins (Jaco-O-Lanterns) lined up at people's doorsteps for Halloween.
"You mean they were kidnapped? From a park or something?"
Dora
What letter do all of Mr. Pirzada's daughter's names start with?
A
What year did India become independent? What does this have to do with the partition?
1947. After independence, Muslim vs. Hindu rivalries (specifically in North India) led to the separation of Pakistan from India.
What are the names of Mr. Pirzada's 4 daughters that he mentions when speaking to Lilia?
Ayesha, Amira, Amina, Aziza
What does Mr. Pirzada gift Lilia in the beginning of the story?
A small plastic egg with cinnamon hearts
"Really, Mr. Pirzada. Night after night. You spoil her."
Lilia's Mother
Who is Dora and what does she question about Mr. Pirzada's words? (specify when this exchange takes place/give context)
Dora is Lilia's good friend. When they go trick-or-treating on Halloween night, Mr. Pirzada worries for their safety and insistently questions whether it is okay for them to be out on their own. Dora questions why he cares so much (it's because he misses and worries for his daughters).
Why were refugees fleeing from East Pakistan/Bangladesh?
They were fleeing because of the attacks from West Pakistan's army; Invasions, torching, shelling; People were shot on the streets; People were being abused (women)
What are some of the similarities that Lilia describes between Mr. Pirzada and her parents (name at least 4)
The spoke the same language, laughed at the same jokes, looked similar, at pickled mangoes, at rice for supper every night with their hands, took their shoes off before entering the room, chewed fennel seeds, didn't drink alcohol, ate biscuits dipped in tea.
What do Lilia's family and Mr. Pirzada eat on the first night mentioned in the story? (specify at least 2 out of 3)
Lentils with fried onion, green beans with coconut, and fish cooked with raisins in yogurt.
"They are estimating nine million at the last count."
Lilia's Father
What is the name of Lilia's teacher? What does she stop Lilia from doing?
Mrs. Kenyon. She notices Lilia reading about the city of Dacca, asking her if it's a part of her report. When Lilia confirms that it isn't, she takes it puts it away.
What is the name of the state/region in India that Pakistan and India have been fighting over since the partition?
Kashmir
What does Mr. Pirzada remove from his shirt when he gets ready to carve the pumpkin? (be specific)
His opal cuff links.
When Lilia was browsing the "Asia" section, she found books on 4 countries that she named, before finding a book on the country she was looking for. Name the 4 countries.
China, India, Indonesia, and Korea.
"First, go around the top, like this..."
Lilia
What does Lilia do every night after Mr. Pirzada goes back home? Since what month?
Every night, since January, Lilia ate a piece of candy that she saved from Halloween. She throws them away when her family receives a letter from Mr. Pirzada confirming his and his family's safety.
What year did the civil war between East (Bangladesh) and West Pakistan take place? How long did it last? (be as specific as possible)
8 months, 2 weeks, 6 days.
What were the exact words Mr. Pirzada said when he ruined the pumpkin?
"Please forgive me"