Protagonist's Journey
What is the name of the protagonist?
Maya
Who are the main family members of the protagonist?
Nurzhan, Mr. Alazova, Mrs. Alazova
What cultural background does the protagonist come from?
Kazakhstan
What does "belonging" mean to the protagonist?
She wants to be a typical American girl.
Give an example of foreshadowing in the story.
The title of the story is an example of foreshadowing.
Describe a challenge the protagonist faces.
Maya wants to go to the Spring Fling dance but does not ask her parents because she knows they will say no.
How does the protagonist's family influence her identity?
She is not allowed to have friends that are boys because of her culture which keeps her from being able to fit in.
Describe a situation where cultural conflict occurs.
When Daniel lifts Maya in the air and her dad sees it. In her culture girls are not allowed to be unsupervised with boys.
Why does Nurzhan get into a fight?
Another student was bullying hime because of where he comes from. He's tired of getting bullied and wants to fit in.
How does symbolism play a role in the narrative?
The bracelet signifies that Maya that the mom is starting to understand that things are different in America and that she is okay with Maya dancing with boys.
How does the protagonist feel about her cultural background?
She is struggling to fit in and feels that she is at fault for all the problems that are happening in her family because of her culture.
What family conflict arises in the story?
Maya gets in trouble because of Nurzhan's actions and for trying to be a typical American girl. In doing so this creates problems between her parents.
Why does Maya give an incorrect translation of what the principal says regarding Nurzhan's fight?
The dad is strict because in their culture they have high expectations. Maya knows Nurzhan will get into big trouble and she wants to keep her dad from becoming angry.
What are some obstacles to the protagonist's sense of belonging?
Her culture and parents.
What is the significance of the title "My Favorite Chaperone"?
It signifies that the story will likely revolve around a character who, despite being a chaperone (someone usually seen as restrictive or boring), is viewed with fondness.
What is one event that shows that Nurzhan is willling to stand up for what is right?
Nurzhan talks to his mom and tries to explain to her that Maya hanging out with boys is not bad because things are different in America. He does not think it's fair that Maya is getting punished for trying to fit in.
In what ways does the protagonist's relationship with her parents evolve?
Her dad ends up lettering her go to the dance under one condition that Nurzhan would be her chaperone. Her mother gave her a bracelet signifying that she knows things are different in America.
What other students can Maya relate to regarding immigrating to America from another country? Use an example.
Maya feels that she can relate to Sunstar. While in the wrong lunch line someone tapped Sunstar on the shoulder and she automatically put her hands up with fear. While Maya was being lifted in the air by Daniel her dad saw her. Maya automatically yelled "put me down" with fear afraid of what would happen next. Although these are completely different situations she feels like she can relate to her because they are both adjusting to life in America.
Why is Maya so upset when she misses her gymnastics meet?
Gymnastics is something she was not allowed to do back home. Being on the gymnastics team makes Maya feel like she fits in and gives her a sense of belonging.
How does the author use dialogue to reveal character relationships?
Through the dialogue we can understand how Maya's relationship with her parents differs from their relationship with Nurzhan.
Why are Maya's parents arguing about her?
Maya's dad blames her mom for Maya's actions. When Maya is caught with a boy after school her dad proceeds to tell her mom "how can you let this happen." This causes her parents to argue about her and she feels that everything is her fault.
How does the protagonist balance her family expectations with her own desires?
When her mom get injured she takes over her job and cooks all while still keeping up with her school work.
How does the resolution of cultural conflict affect the protagonist?
She isn't allowed to do what her friends do without getting into trouble because of her culture. This affects her because she desperately wants to fit in.
In what ways does the ending reflect the theme of belonging?
At the end of the story she is allowed to attend the Spring Fling and gets to experience what it's like to be a typical American girl.
What is an example of irony in the story? (irony is a difference between reality and something’s appearance or expectation, creating a natural tension when presented in the context of a story.)
The situational irony in “My Favorite Chaperone” is that while Maya regularly takes on adult responsibilities and takes care of her younger brother, Nurzhan, he must chaperone her at the Spring Fling. Maya's parents are comfortable with making a child Maya’s chaperone, indicating their trust in him to take care of her. However, they are not comfortable with Maya going to the dance independently despite her maturity.