Genre
What does “identity” mean in a story?
How a character sees themselves and what shapes who they are.
What is the structure of “Girl”?
It’s written as one long sentence of advice from a mother to her daughter.
What is special about the paper animals in the story?
They magically come to life with the mother’s breath.
Where does the story take place?
In Nigeria during a violent riot.
What point of view is “Teacher Tamer” told from?
Third-person limited — the story follows Gregory’s thoughts and experiences.
What does “coming-of-age” mean in literature?
A story about growing up and learning important life lessons.
How does “Girl” explore identity?
It shows how family and culture shape who we become.
What causes conflict between the boy and his mother?
He’s embarrassed by his mother's language and culture. His father wants him to fit in and be more “American.”
What two women meet by chance? How would you describe them?
A young Christian medical student and an older Muslim woman.
Why do the students (Gregory) decide to “tame” the teacher?
They think she’s too strict and want to prove they can control the classroom.
What is a common element shared by both genres?
Both genres describe stories where a character undergoes internal transformation prompted by external challenges, leading to greater self-awareness, maturity, and identity formation.
What do the mother’s instructions reveal about the culture she lives in?
It has strict expectations for women’s roles. That society expects women to behave a certain way and follow gender roles
What do the paper animals symbolize?
The bond between mother and son and their shared heritage.
What do they share while hiding together?
Food, comfort, and conversation.
How does the author use humor in the story?
It makes the conflict lighthearted while showing personal growth.
To make Gregory’s plan entertaining while showing how misguided it is.
Why do characters in these stories often face challenges or conflicts?
Because struggles help them grow and understand themselves.
What’s one way the story connects to the idea of identity?
It shows how family and culture shape who we become.
What happens when the son finds his mother’s letter?
He finally understands her love and regrets pushing her away.
What lesson does Chika learn from this experience?
That kindness and humanity cross cultural divides.
What lesson does Gregory learn by the end of the story?
That empathy and kindness are more powerful than revenge or control.
How are coming-of-age and identity stories different but connected?
Coming-of-age focuses on growing up, while identity explores what defines who we are—but both involve personal change.
Why does the daughter’s voice appear only a few times?
To show how little power she has to speak for herself.
What message does the story give about identity?
You can’t truly know yourself without accepting where you come from.
What message does the story send about identity?
Identity is shaped by empathy and how we treat others, not just by religion or status.
Our shared humanity is stronger than what separates us.
How does “Teacher Tamer” fit the coming-of-age and identity genres?
Gregory matures by learning self-control, empathy, and understanding toward others.