plot points
what is the name of the narrator's brother ?
nonso
Who is Dozie in the story?
the narrators cousin
What is one major theme in the story?
Gender inequality
What narrative perspective is used?
first person
where is the narrator returning from at the begging of the story?
america
How does the grandmother show favoritism?
She prefers Nonso because he is male.
How does the story explore memory and guilt?
Through the narrator’s return and her confession.(for readers )
What literary device is used to hint at Nonso’s real cause of death early on?(or skill)
foreshadowing
What was the supposed cause of Nonso’s death?
he fell of the tree
How does Dozie differ from Nonso?
He is quieter, more reserved, and not favored.
How does the story explore the theme of silenced truths, and what impact does this have on the narrator?
The story shows how silence can preserve appearances but destroy people internally. The narrator’s lifelong guilt and emotional distance stem from being unable to speak her truth, symbolizing the burden of secrets in families shaped by rigid gender roles and favoritism.
Identify a metaphor used in the story.
The tree as a metaphor for risk, status, or life.
Why did the narrator visit her grandmother's house years later, and what does this suggest about her emotional state?
feeling of guilt
How does the narrator feel about her grandmother’s favoritism?
She feels jealous
How is silence used symbolically in the story?
To represent the weight of secrets and guilt.
How does Adichie use flashback?
To reveal the past events leading up to Nonso’s death.
What lie does the family believe about Nonso’s death, and why does no one question it?
They believe he fell from the tree
What does the narrator’s attitude toward Nonso suggest about sibling rivalry?
That it can lead to intense jealousy and even tragic consequences.
How does the idea of inheritance both material and emotional appear as a theme in the story?
The story explores how children inherit not just property or status, but also expectations, trauma, and gendered roles especially through the grandmother's favoritism.
What is the effect of the non-linear narrative? the present and past
Builds Suspense and Mystery