Character
The narrator's family dynamic shifts with the departure of these two individuals.
The leaving of Mehrom and Razia.
Where did the narrator, the mother, and Aloo, move after the last daughter left?
The residential area of Upagna.
Describe in your own words, how the mother felt after her daughter's Wedding?
Distraught, and she felt left behind.
What narrative point of view is the story told, and how does this impact the readers understanding of the story?
1st person, or acceptable 3rd person as the narrator is telling the story, from his point of view, of Aloo's story. This impacts the story, as we don't see Aloo's or the mother's emotions and thoughts, we see their actions or physical showings of emotions.
“Won’t you miss us, where you want to go! Do we mean so little to you?” Put yourself in Aloo’s place: What would you think: do you think his dedication to his education is selfish, inconsiderate or justified? Explain
yes, No Explain.
What is the name of the youngest male sibling?
Aloo
How does the story describe the university shown in the catalog to the mother?
neoclassic facades and domes, colums towering over humans, students rushing for activities, lush lawn in ample shade.
Why does the mother turn down offers of marriage following the father's passage?
She'd have to send her kids to the orphanage, (the Boarding)
What program does Aloo apply into, and what is assigned to him by the Ministry of Education…can you relate this to the 1951 Convention’s definition of a refugee? Do you think Aloo should or should not be considered a refugee?
Medicine Agriculture.
p. 102, how is the mother’s physical appearance a reflection of her state of mind following her husband’s passing? What vocabulary/images is/are utilized by the other?
Shows of mother becoming very selfless. Mother became a provider. She Had 3 roles, caregiver, provider, and a person. Focus away from her own needs.
Who returned from America for visit?
Dr Datto
How does London seem to Aloo?
London seems to him like a gorgeous city that's blocks and blocks of parks, houses, squares monuments, and more.
what is Mr. Velji’s advice to Aloo’s Mother in regards to the scholarship (quote?)
ANS- he concludes the American university would greatly benefit his education, but that warns her that she will lose her son
How is Aloo similar to Nadia in character?
Similar: Both are not afraid of change, Don't fear loss of culture, no feeling of restraine.
What is meant by Mr. Velji when he says “if you send him, you will loose your son?”… what is implied? Why imply the term “loose”? p. 101
The son will loose a part of his culture.
loose a part of your life
-when he leaves: dont marry a white woman, dont drink, dot eat dont AKA dont become white washed
Who is mister Velji?
A Former administrator of their school.
How does London differ from Dar es Salaam (city they are from)?
London has carefully rilled fields, the earth is divided into green squares and even the mountains are clean and civilized.
Dar es Salaam: City, had racted of busses, bicycles, and cars all on the road. In the evenings, the side streets were pitch black. Much of the side streets were uninhibited and there are overgrown bushes, baobab trees, and mango and coconut groves.
Why does Aloo want to leave?
To get into the program he wanted to go into and achieve better education than his local university.
Characterise Aloo based on quirks, habits, external Action
-
validation of his mother
-people pleaser, wont follow through with the scholarship despite his desirs
-traditional family setting
-pursue his education = driven character, passionate
how do you interprete Alloo’s mother’s anger towards her son’s scholarship offer? Do you think she truly resents her son for pursuing his education? Why or why not? What do you think she fears?
She might be scared,
-fear of losing her son
-fear of being alone
-empty nester
How does the author describe the mother before the father's death? (in your own words)
She wore high heels and makeup, smiling so big that she was blossoming.
How is Upanganda described in comparison to Uhuru street
ANS- haunting, desolate, no illumination and lonely vs bustling, lively streets
How Did the mother feel about Aloo's Desire to go to America?
She felt, that she would be left alone, as the narrator has gone to university and her youngest wants to study in America. She was wondering what will happen to her.
Give a thematic statement to this short story
Loss of authority over her child.
growing up.
What does the final line of the story on page 102 could signify? (ie: the bird...)
"A bird flapping its wings: Mr Velji nodding wisely in his chair, Mother staring into the distance”
EX Answer: This could signify a mother letting her son go so that he can explore the world on his own.
Bird: aloo's Freedom
Proud moment. Seeing someones potential finally being used. Letting go, Seeing the last moments,