Monday, April 6

--Took a quiz over ch. 4-9 in Nectar
--We also did a partner discussion over ch. 4-9. The questions are pasted below--if you were gone, please answer the questions with 3-4 sentences yourself and bring them to class next time.
--At the end of class, I handed out some literary vocab terms that you'll need to know and learn throughout this unit. Get a copy of these from the crate in the back.
--Homework: Read ch. 10-13 (pgs. 58-82) for Wednesday and work on theme notes


Nectar in a Sieve Partner Discussion
Ch. 4-9

Directions: Please read and discuss the questions below with your partner, writing 3-4 complete sentences for your responses.. You’ll be called on randomly to share your responses, so be prepared to share any of these with the class.

1. Re-read page 32, where Ruku discusses her feelings toward the new people who have come to their village as a result of the tannery being built. How does she feel about the tannery and the changes it brings? How does this connect with the theme of modernization vs. tradition? (Hint: maybe you should have this in your theme notes!!!)

2. Re-read the bottom of page 47, when Kenny encounters Ruku and Nathan in town. What do you think of Kenny’s treatment of them in this scene? Is there any truth to what he’s saying? Explain.

3. On page 52, Ruku describes the fact that she feels sorry for the Muslim wives of the tannery workers who have to “hide” themselves from the public eye with their bourkas, despite the fact that they are quite well off financially. Re-read the last paragraph on this page, where Ruku encounters one of these women face to face. What do you notice about this scene? Why do you think this experience bothers Ruku so much?

4. In chapter 9, Ira’s husband brings her back to her parents because she has failed to bear children—the ultimate disgrace for an Indian woman of this time. How did you personally react to this scene when you read it? Did Nathan’s and/or Ruku’s responses surprise you at all?

5. Nathan and Ruku are very upset by the fact that their sons are going to work in the tannery. Why do you think it upsets them so much? If you were Arjun, would you be able to go against your parents’ wishes like he does? Why or why not?