The "Stolen Generation"

Austalia has a special day set aside for something called Sorry Day. This is a day when many activists march as a means of recognizing what had been done to the aboriginal people of Australia. It is a way for white Australians to apologize. Some people argue that it is not enough. Others argue that the deeds of the past must be put in the past and that people should just "get over it." Any thoughts? Is it enough? Is it a step in the right direction? Should more be done? Like what?

The Long Journey

The girls risk their lives to go home. Was it worth the risk? Would it have still been worth the risk had one or all of them died on the journey?

Morals/ Ethics

Describe the morals of the aboriginal women in the film (grandmother/mother/daughters/cousin). Describe the values of the whites (Mr. Neville, the nuns/the ration keeper). Are their values so much different? How or Why?

Cousin

Do you understand the cousin's choice to split from the group and try to find her mother? Why does Molly first go on without her, but then return?

Men in Rabbit Proof Fence

The only aboriginal man in the entire film is the Tracker. Why? What is the purpose of showing only aboriginal women?

women's business

Upon the return of the girls, the aboriginal women are heard singing in the bush. The men at the posting station call this "women's business." Explain this. What is meant by "women's business?" And how does it help the girls get home?

Mr. Neville

At the end of the film, Mr. Neville cannot afford to continue the search for the girls. He is quoted saying, "If they would only understand what we are trying to do for them." What does he mean? What do you think about what he is saying/meaning?

Rabbit Proof Fence

When the girls are first taken, the grandmother beats her own head with a stone in agony. Why does she do this? Explain.

Rabbit Proof Fence

The officer sent to pick up the girls when they make it home, goes to check out the "women's business" in the bush. He is intimidated my Molly's mother. How does she intimidate him without threats, without words, and while he is carrying a gun?

Tracker

"Tracker" is a very serious person. He doesn't show emotion. In class I suggested that perhaps there was a hint of a smile when he was tracking the girls. They were already over 1000 miles from where they first ran away. What are your thoughts? Did Tracker let the girls escape? Why may he have done so?

Tracker

The "tracker" at the camp is the father of one of the girls there. He wants to return to his home, but is told by Mr. Neville that he may not. He says he must remain for another "year or so." What are your thoughts about him tracking down runaways? Do you feel this is "traitor-like"?

Rabbit Proof Fence

The film starts out with an eagle soaring above Molly and her mother. Later, an eagle soars about the bodies of Molly and her sister when they are passed out in the desert. What is the significance? What does the eagle symbolize?

Rabbit Proof Fence

The British people in the film, led by Mr. Neville, thought they were doing good by "breeding the Native out of them." "Them," being the aboriginal people, of course. He felt that by not allowing these "half castes" to marry full aboriginal people, eventually, they would become "useful" to society. Because they believed they were doing good, can they be blamed?

Rabbit Proof Fence

Here is a spot for you to just discuss your reactions to the film. Discuss anything you'd like.

Theme

Ishmael doesn’t believe in revenge. “What I have learned from my experience is that revenge is not good. I joined the army to avenge the deaths of my family and to survive, but I’ve come to learn that if I am going to take revenge, in that process I will kill another person whose family will want revenge; then revenge and revenge and revenge will never come to an end” (199).

What can you add? What is your perspective? Is revenge a natural feeling? What can you do to avoid seeking revenge?

Novel Ending

The ending of the novel is incredibly powerful. At seven years of age, Ishmael had an answer to the monkey dilemma, although he never shared his answer with anyone until now.

In your opinion, why does Ishmael end the story here? Do you think Ishmael is happy with how he has chosen to live his life? Do you think Ishmael could have made different choices?

Impact

Has this book impacted you in anyway? For example, I've heard of child soldiers, but have never spent any time thinking about them. This book left me with an uneasy, tortured feeling. It made me appreciate my life here in America, safely away from the wars in Africa. What, if anything, has this book done for you?

Uncle and Laura

Ishmael had to rely on the kindness of his unknown uncle and of Laura. Neither "owed" him anything, yet both offered him a home. What does that tell you about society in general? Do you have any comments to add in regards to this?

a long way gone

A couple of things really struck me as I read this novel. One is the pure brutality that some people had to endure before dieing. Not just emotionally—seeing family members slaughtered, but the physical torture. One particular scene which really affected me was when the rebels were forced to dig their own graves, then buried alive.

Something else that struck me is the natural instinct to survive. I know drugs keep Ishmael going, but not after he is rescued by UNICEF. Where does his strength come from?

What thoughts did you have while reading this novel? What affected you? What bothered you? What questions would you have if you were to talk with Ishmael?

"End of Skill" appreciation

Vanessa says she "loves" Kente. The ambassador loves Kente. Jimmy's father loves Kente. Can you love something that you don't truly understand? Can you have reverance for something you don't truly understand? Or is it just an appreciation?

"End of Skill" ending

After finishing "End of Skill," do you think Jimmy will return to his old ways, or will he reform after seeing his father hurt so deeply? Explain what you think and what evidence you have that supports your answer.

"End of Skill" and Culture

We discussed the fact that culture seems to get lost as generations pass through the years. After all, America is the "melting pot" and old traditions give way to American values and American traditions. Is this good or bad?

Jimmy

Name one adjective here to describe Jimmy and support it with an example from the text.

"End of Skill" and Vanessa

Vanessa loves Kente cloth because it makes her feel closer to her African heritage. The Ambassador loved Kente cloth because it was beautiful and skillful work. Neither used it "correctly" or treated it with the same respect as someone from Jimmy's village. But, in a way, both increased the value of the cloth by making it known to the world and popularized. What may be gained or lost by this? Is the value of Kente cloth then diminished or increased?

Ilunga's Harvest

America is proud to be capitalist. It means that the "average Joe" can become quite successful financially. Mikel desperately wants to teach Ilunga that his hard work can pay off, but it means teaching Ilunga to be more of a capitalist. Does Ilunga make the right decisions?

Ilunga's Village

Students last year thought the village was being greedy by helping themselves to Ilunga's harvest. However, someone pointed out that Ilunga would have wanted the village to help themselves. What do you think?

Ilunga's Pride

When Mikel first meets Ilunga, he seemed to be a true warrier -stepping out into Mikel's path in all of his splendor. Later, the village thinks Ilunga is embarrassing himself by picking up garbage at the market - something the dogs and goats do. Do you think there are things people shouldn't do - jobs that are belittling or do you think honest work is simply honest work?

Capitalism

After finishing Ilunga's Harvest, comment on Tidwell's assertation: "Like everyone else in Kalambayi, Ilunga needed badly the help fish culture could provide. What he didn't need, however, were lessons on how to stay alive. And that, I eventually grew to understand, was what all the sharing was really about. It was a survival strategy, an unwritten agreement by the group that no one would be allowed to fall off the societal boat no matter how low provisions ran on board....everyone stayed afloat."

Is this different than what you see in America? How? Which way is better?

Can you think of an example?

Ilungas Generosity

Comment on Tidwell's revelation: "And perhaps it was just as well Ilunga and the others weren't in a hurry to become the kind of producers I wanted them to be. They might develop along Western lines with time, but why push them? The local system worked. Everyone was taken care of."

Was anyone frustrated when Ilunga gave his fish away? Explain.

"End of Skill" and Vanessa

Vanessa loves Kente cloth because it makes her feel closer to her African heritage. The Ambassador loved Kente cloth because it was beautiful and skillful work. Neither used it "correctly" or treated it with the same respect as someone from Jimmy's village. But, in a way, both increased the value of the cloth by making it known to the world and popularized. What may be gained or lost by this? Is the value of Kente cloth then diminished or increased?

Jimmy

I would have made you write a characterization of Jimmy. Name one adjective here to describe Jimmy and support it with an example from the text.

"End of Skill" and Culture

We discussed the fact that culture seems to get lost as generations pass through the years. After all, America is the "melting pot" and old traditions give way to American values and American traditions. Is this good or bad?

"End of Skill" ending

After reading "End of Skill," we discussed whether or not Jimmy would return to his old ways, or if he would reform after seeing his father hurt so deeply. Explain what you think and what evidence do you have that supports your answer?

a long way gone

A couple of things really struck me as I read this novel. One is the pure brutality that some people had to endure before dieing. Not just emotionally—seeing family members slaughtered, but the physical torture. One particular scene which really affected me was when the rebels were forced to dig their own graves, then buried alive.

Something else that struck me is the natural instinct to survive. I know drugs keep Ishmael going, but not after he is rescued by UNICEF. Where does his strength come from?

What thoughts did you have while reading this novel? What affected you? What bothered you? What questions would you have if you were to talk with Ishmael?

Uncle and Laura

Ishmael had to rely on the kindness of his unknown uncle and of Laura. Neither "owed" him anything, yet both offered him a home. What does that tell you about society in general? Do you have any comments to add in regards to this?

Impact

Has this book impacted you in anyway? For example, I've heard of child soldiers, but have never spent any time thinking about them. This book left me with an uneasy, tortured feeling. It made me appreciate my life here in America, safely away from the wars in Africa. What, if anything, has this book done for you?

Novel Ending

The ending of the novel is incredibly powerful. At seven years of age, Ishmael had an answer to the monkey dilemma, although he never shared his answer with anyone until now.

In your opinion, why does Ishmael end the story here? Do you think Ishmael is happy with how he has chosen to live his life? Do you think Ishmael could have made different choices?

Theme

Ishmael doesn’t believe in revenge. “What I have learned from my experience is that revenge is not good. I joined the army to avenge the deaths of my family and to survive, but I’ve come to learn that if I am going to take revenge, in that process I will kill another person whose family will want revenge; then revenge and revenge and revenge will never come to an end” (199).

What can you add? What is your perspective? Is revenge a natural feeling? What can you do to avoid seeking revenge?

Ilunga's Generosity

Comment on Tidwell's revelation: "And perhaps it was just as well Ilunga and the others weren't in a hurry to become the kind of producers I wanted them to be. They might develop along Western lines with time, but why push them? The local system worked. Everyone was taken care of."

Was anyone frustrated when Ilunga gave his fish away? Explain.

capitalism

After finishing Ilunga's Harvest, comment on Tidwell's assertation: "Like everyone else in Kalambayi, Ilunga needed badly the help fish culture could provide. What he didn't need, however, were lessons on how to stay alive. And that, I eventually grew to understand, was what all the sharing was really about. It was a survival strategy, an unwritten agreement by the group that no one would be allowed to fall off the societal boat no matter how low provisions ran on board....everyone stayed afloat."

Is this different than what you see in America? How? Which way is better?

Can you think of an example?

Ilunga's Pride

When Mikel first meets Ilunga, he seemed to be a true warrier -stepping out into Mikel's path in all of his splendor. Later, the village thinks Ilunga is embarrassing himself by picking up garbage at the market - something the dogs and goats do. Do you think there are things people shouldn't do - jobs that are belittling or do you think honest work is simply honest work?

Ilunga's village

Students last year thought the village was being greedy by helping themselves to Ilunga's harvest. However, someone pointed out that Ilunga would have wanted the village to help themselves. What do you think?

Ilunga's Harvest

America is proud to be capitalist. It means that the "average Joe" can become quite successful financially. Mikel desperately wants to teach Ilunga that his hard work can pay off, but it means teaching Ilunga to be more of a capitalist. Does Ilunga make the right decisions?

turning point

A major turning point occurs in Chapter 12 when Ishmael is captured. He is captured by the government, and not the rebels. He isn't technically forced to fight, however his other choice is sure death.

What is your reaction to Ishmael's choice to fight? Did he have a choice?

family

When Ishmael is very close to seeing his family again, circumstances keep this from happening. However, seeing his family would probably have ensured his death.

Do you believe in fate? Do you think this was meant to be?

Ishmael also says that seeing his family would have been worth dying for. What do you think? Would you agree? What would your choice have been?

point of view

We’ve talked about the importance of Point of View. Obviously, this is first person. What if this story were told from the third person? How might you see Ishmael differently? What does the first person perspective give you as a reader, that the third person perspective couldn’t?

flashbacks

I think reading Ishmael’s flashbacks are very important. The story would go on without these, so why do you think he chose to insert them? What do they tell us about Ishmael?

community

One of the things that strikes me about Ishmael’s memories of his village is that there seemed to be such a strong sense of community. This is evident in the village’s celebration of Ishmael’s name giving ceremony.

There is an African Proverb too, that is something to the effect of: It takes a village to raise a child. However, in America, people tend to not like others scolding or correcting their children (other than, perhaps, teachers).

Which is better? Explain.

rap music

We touched briefly on Ishmael's brush with death and how Rap music saved him. You will see later how Ishmael continues to be helped out by his affinity for Rap music.

What type of music do you listen to? What do you like/dislike about certain types of music? When do you listen? How does music affect you? Are you particularly drawn to a song? Which song and why? Speak here about anything you want in regards to music and your life

Choices

Ishmael has had to make some tough decisions already in his young life. He has had to decide if he should risk his life and return home to find his family. He has had to decide whether to run with friends, or to be safer and run alone.

What has a been a difficult choice for you to make? Have you ever had to make a very difficult one? How did you choose? Was it the right choice?

The Proof - cover up

Miguel's father immediately wants to cover up his son's "work." The maid does too. What is the motivation for both characters?

The Proof - regret

Have you ever done something that you immediately wished you could take back? What was it and what happened?

Anita the Insect Collector - narrator

In 3-5 sentences, does the narrator agree with the parents, or Anita? Is is possible to tell? When answering this question, be sure to consider tone!

Anita the Insect Collector - tone

In 3-5 sentences, what is the speaker's tone in this selection? Consider whether it was indifferent, concerned, apathetic, angry... Give an example or support.

Anita the Insect Collector-fairness

In 3-5 sentences, was Anita's banishment from the family fair to Anita? Fair to the narrator? Why or Why not?

Appropriatness

As his teacher, was what Lidia Mikhaylovna did appropriate? Can something be inappropriate, when the intentions are good?

"French Lessons"

The main character is taken under the wing of Lidia Mikhaylovna. Why? And how did this get him through school?

"French Lessons"

This was tough story to get through, I know! What are some of the character traits you see in the main character?

Torn Invitation-POV

How might this story be different if it were told from Harry's mother's perspective? Or Frankie's?

Torn Invitation- Harry

What is it finally that makes Harry realize that he is making a mistake about his mother?

The Torn Invitation

How important are appearances? We hear two different sides of the story: Don't judge a book by its cover, and the importance of a good first impression. Is it possible to be completely non judgemental?

Every Voice

I believe every voice can make drastic changes, no matter how old or how young you are. Latifa takes a risk. Whether it was worth it or not, is up for each individual to decide. Are you a risk taker, or do you prefer to play a more safe role?

Family

At the end of the novel, Latifa doesn't know the whereabouts of her brother or sister who were left in Afghanistan. Was Latifa's decision to help all the women of her country worth the risk of the loss of part of her family?

Novel Ending

At the end of the novel, the decision is made for Latifa, her mother, and her father to leave for Paris. Was it a wise choice for her father to go?

Conversation

If you could sit down with Latifa, what might you ask her?

Afghanistan

Latifa feels the world doesn't support the innocent citizens Afghanistan. How did you feel when you read some of her comments about this? Did they anger you? Did they make you want to do something? Did they make you feel defensive? Explain your thoughts.

Dynamic or Static

Would you consider Latifa to be a dynamic or a static character? Give support for your answer. In what ways does she grow/change or not change?

Latifa fights back

In My Forbidden Face, Latifa atempts to fight back against control of the Taliban. Can you think of an example of this? How does she defy the Taliban?

Peer pressure

Orwell regrets falling to peer pressure, yet he understands that his youth made him more succeptable to caving in. He seems to hate the people for pressuring him, and hate himself for succumbing to it. Put yourself in his place. Would you have reacted the same? What would you have done differently?

Killing an Elephant - Orwell

Orwell, is both likable and hatable. What do you like and/or hate about him?

Killing an Elephant

I accidently ran over a cat once. It was mortifying. I knew then that I would never be able to be a hunter, although my husband has tried many times to get me to hunt. You hunters out there, share your stories of hunting. What are your thoughts when hunting? Do they mirror Orwell's?

Family

Inem's mother and father need money. Getting Inem "married off" is one way for them to get it. Perhaps they feel that Inem will have a better life; afterall she is marrying someone wealthier. If they are allowing it for good intentions, does that make it "less" wrong?

Muk

Muk cares about Inem. He is not much younger than her, and yet he understands that she is too young to marry, while Inem doesn't. Why is that?

last line

The last line of Inem is: "And Mother continued to uphold the respectability of her home." Do you think Muk feels that his mother is "respectable?" Or do you think this last line is saying something else? If so, what?

Inem's life

Inem is now able to be beaten by anyone because she has brought disgrace upon her family. Some people feel "disgraced" or even embarrassed by actions that someone else commits. Why do you think this is? Do you think it's possible to realize that what someone in your family (or not in your family) can act solely on their own and you should not be embarrassed by their actions? Or do you think it's human nature to feel embarrassment? Why?

Inem's Mother

Inem's own mother was unable to see beyond her own beliefs that Inem was old enough to marry. She seemed to think it was OK because that is what she had done and her mother before her. She couldn't see Muk's mother's point of view. Do you think Muk's mother could have done more to stop the marriage? Should she have? What should she have done?

Expectations

The film was actually even more successful than the novel. In some respects, the film re-inspired passion for the novel. Did the film meet your expectations? Why or why not?

Novel vs film

To me, the novel is much more humorous and light hearted. Rawiri’s voice often made me laugh. The film is much more serious. What is your take?

Ana

In the novel, Ana is white and pregnant. What’s the scoop?

Porourangi

Porourangi, in the film, is an artist. In the novel, we don’t really know what he is, but there are times when the book mentions he is off with Koro fighting for the Maori’s. Why an artist? What’s the perception?

Koro and Kahu

In the movie, Kahu says her father disliked her at birth, “…but he changed his mind.” Then some time is spent showing a relationship between the two before Koro changes his mind again. What are your thoughts on why?

Koro and Porourangi

In the movie Porourangi confronts his father immediately after the death of his wife and birth of his daughter. This is very different from the novel, in which he is much more passive and almost out of view. Explain or offer reasons for the difference.

actor/actresses

Lots of time is spent on choosing the “correct” actor/actress for each role in a film. Who was not what you pictured? For me, no one was who I pictured except Kahu. What did you envision and how was it different from what you expected?