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?