Author's Insight
What motivated Deborah Ellis to visit refugee camps in Pakistan?
Deborah Ellis was motivated by her interest in humanitarian issues and her desire to understand and document the experiences of Afghan refugees, particularly the challenging conditions women and children face.
Who is the protagonist of "The Breadwinner"?
The protagonist of "The Breadwinner" is Parvana.
During which decade is "The Breadwinner" set?
The Breadwinner" is set in the late 1990s.
What is a major theme of "The Breadwinner"
A major theme of "The Breadwinner" is resilience in the face of adversity.
How did Ellis's encounters with Afghan women influence her writing?
These encounters profoundly impacted her writing, providing a deep well of stories of resilience and suffering that inspired her to create "The Breadwinner." Ellis wanted to highlight the strength and determination of Afghan women in the face of oppressive circumstances.
What drastic step does Parvana take to help her family?
Parvana disguises herself as a boy to work and support her family after her father is detained.
What group controlled Afghanistan during the time of the story?
The Taliban controlled Afghanistan during the time of the story.
How does the theme of resilience manifest in the story?
he theme of resilience manifests through Parvana's determination to support her family despite the harsh restrictions imposed by the Taliban. She takes on the responsibility of earning for her family, disguising herself as a boy, and facing numerous challenges with courage and perseverance.
What specific awareness did Ellis aim to raise through "The Breadwinner"?
Ellis aimed to raise awareness about the plight of Afghan girls and women under Taliban rule, focusing on their struggles, the human rights abuses they faced, and their incredible resilience in difficult situations.
Name Parvana's friend who also dresses as a boy.
Parvana's friend who also dresses as a boy is Shauzia.
Name a restriction placed on women by the Taliban mentioned in the book.
Women had to be accompanied by a male relative if they left the house.
What does the story suggest about the role of storytelling?
The story suggests that storytelling is a powerful means of preserving one’s identity and culture, providing hope, and connecting with others. Parvana listens to stories from her father and shares stories with others, which helps her cope with her difficult circumstances and maintain a sense of normalcy and continuity.
What does Ellis hope her readers will do after reading her book?
Ellis hopes her readers will become more empathetic and informed about global issues, particularly those affecting conflict-ridden areas like Afghanistan. She encourages her readers to think critically about how they can make the world more equitable and peaceful.
What happens to Parvana's father?
Parvana's father is arrested by the Taliban and taken away, leaving the family without a male relative to earn money or accompany them in public, which is required by the Taliban's rules.
How did the Afghan wars impact the daily life of citizens?
People lived in constant fear of violence and instability, and basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare became scarce.
How does the theme of identity play a crucial role in Parvana’s life?
Identity plays a crucial role in Parvana's life as she must disguise her gender to support her family, challenging traditional gender roles and her own sense of self. Her struggle with her identity highlights the broader issues of individual freedom and social constraints.
How does Ellis describe her feelings towards the stories of the Afghan people she met?
Ellis describes her feelings as a mix of admiration and heartbreak. She was deeply moved by the courage and dignity of the Afghan people she met, particularly the women and children who endured so much yet continued to hope and strive for a better future.
Describe a key challenge Parvana faces when she is disguised as a boy.
Using public washrooms poses a significant challenge, as she must manage this necessity without revealing her true identity.
Explain the economic condition of Parvana's family due to the political situation.
Parvana's family, like many others, faced severe economic hardships due to the political situation. With the arrest of her father, who was the main breadwinner, the family struggled financially. They lacked a steady income, which led to difficulties in affording basic needs such as food and shelter, forcing Parvana to take drastic measures to support her family.
What message does Ellis convey about the power of young people in difficult circumstances?
Ellis conveys that young people possess remarkable strength and the ability to make significant contributions, even under the most trying conditions. Despite her youth and the oppressive environment, Parvana's actions and resilience demonstrate that young people can drive change and profoundly impact their families and communities.