Characters
Who is the narrator of Iqbal?
Fatima
What city does the story take place in?
Lahore, Pakistan
How many days did Iqbal spend in the Tomb?
three
What does the almond tree represent?
freedom
What is the meaning of envious?
jealous
What is Karim's role at the carpet factory?
overseer
Describe the Tomb
an old cistern, underground, dark, no air, contains spiders and scorpions
What is Iqbal's dream job?
a lawyer
What design does Maria weave into her carpet?
a kite
What is the meaning of debt?
something, typically money, that is owed or due
Eshan Khan is the leader of what organization?
The Bonded Labour Liberation Front of Pakistan
What are the two places Iqbal travels to by plane?
Sweden and Boston
Iqbal tells Fatima that he was scared. Why?
because he was shot at by the munshi, while visiting a brick factory and trying to free the families there from bonded labour
What theme is prevalent when the children tell Hussain Khan that if they throw Maria in the Tomb, then he'll have to throw them all in?
friendship
What is the meaning of obliged?
do as someone asks or desires
Why did Iqbal cut the Blue Bukhara?
as an act of rebellion against Hussain Khan
Where does Iqbal first encounter the Bonded Labour Liberation Front of Pakistan?
the marketplace
Why are some families trapped in the cycle of bonded labour?
because the debt of the father/mother becomes the debt of the child and these debts are nearly impossible to pay off
What theme is prevalent when Hussain Khan pays off the policemen for returning Iqbal?
corruption
What is the meaning of interminable?
endless
What was the context for Maria speaking for the first time in the carpet factory?
she said she could read when Iqbal brought back the flyer
Where does Fatima's brother want to take her?
Europe
Why is Iqbal a hero?
despite many dangers, he stands up and fights against the injustices of child labour, inspiring others through his actions (like cutting the Blue Bukhara) and his words (speaking abroad at labour conferences and award ceremonies)
Why do the children make up dreams and share them with one another while working at the carpet factory?
to escape the harsh reality of working in bonded labour
What is the meaning of illustrious?
well-known and respected