As I Lay Dying
What is the name of the Bundren family’s mother whose death motivates the journey in the novel?
Addie Bundren
What country is the setting of the novel?
Afghanistan
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Mersault
What is the protagonist’s name?
Who gives Macbeth the prophecy that he will become king?
The three witches
Which character narrates the most chapters in the novel?
Darl
What is the relationship between Mariam and Laila?
Why does Meursault shoot the Arab man?
The sunlight blinds him, and he acts impulsively without clear motive.
What historical event serves as the backdrop of the novel?
The Iranian Revolution
What is Lady Macbeth’s role in Duncan’s murder?
She manipulates Macbeth and plans the details of the murder.
What happens to the coffin during the river crossing? (2 events)
It nearly floats away, and Cash’s leg is injured.
What is the significance of the title, "A Thousand Splendid Suns"?
It comes from a poem by Saib-e-Tabrizi, symbolizing the enduring beauty and resilience of Afghan women.
Which philosophy is central to the novel’s themes and what does it uphold?
Existentialism - the belief that we are each responsible for creating purpose or meaning in our own lives; there is no inherent meaning to be found in the world.
Why does Marjane’s family send her to Austria?
To protect her from the oppressive regime in Iran
What is the significance of the line “Out, out brief candle”?
It reflects Macbeth’s realization of the futility and fleeting nature of life.
What literary technique is used heavily in the novel, where the story is told through multiple characters' perspectives?
Stream-of-consciousness
What is Mariam's climactic moment of resilience in the novel?
By sacrificing her life to protect Laila and her children.
What is the significance of Meursault’s indifference toward his mother’s death?
It establishes his detachment and challenges societal norms of emotional expression.
What does the veil symbolize in the novel?
Oppression and loss of personal freedom under the Islamic regime.
What prophecy leads Macbeth to believe he is invincible?
That no man born of a woman will harm him, and he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
What is significant about Vardaman’s statement, "My mother is a fish"?
It symbolizes his struggle to process grief and understand death.
What role does the backdrop of war play in the characters’ lives?
It shapes their experiences of loss, survival, and resilience under oppressive regimes.
How does Meursault come to accept the absurdity of life?
By realizing life has no inherent meaning and embracing the freedom this brings.
How does Marjane’s identity evolve throughout the novel?
She struggles with her cultural identity, independence, and the balance between Eastern and Western values.
How does Shakespeare use blood imagery throughout the play?
Blood symbolizes guilt, violence, and the consequences of ambition.