Devoirs pour mardi 8 janvier 2013:
Finish Under the Persimmon tree and the work that goes with it (summary or signs of resilience / vocabulary / questions). As you read, note the instances that will help you write a literary analysis addressing the theme of resilience in the characters of this novel (see example below).
Resilience is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience. Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up. It is the quality of character that allows a person or group of people rebound from misfortune, hardships and traumas.
Resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit—a determination to embrace all that makes life worth living even in the face of overwhelming odds. People who have a clear sense of identity and purpose are more resilient, because they can hold fast to their vision of a better future.
Much of our resilience comes from community—from the relationships that allow us to lean on each other for support when we need it.
Chapter 11: (Najmah)
Summary
Najmah is very
weak from the lack of nutrition. Her feet are sore from walking in the
rough
leather sandals, but they are very close to Torkhum, the refugee's camp. When
they
arrive, they are given tasteless biscuits to fill them and help them
gain
strength. With food in their stomachs, they sleep deeply and for a long
time. Najmah realizes that along the way, she has planned to go to
Peshawar, Pakistan, to find her father and brother.
or
Signs of resilience:
Although exhausted Najmah makes a plan to continue her journey to reunite with her family (sense of family helps her).
Akhtar, the father, encourages his family to move on "we are very close, just two more hours, just over the hill, we can make it" (p. 124-125) - "I would like to leave my family here where they will be safe, and return to fight against the Taliban" (128) - (Protecting his family gives him strength and courage to fight).
Although exhausted Najmah makes a plan to continue her journey to reunite with her family (sense of family helps her).
Akhtar, the father, encourages his family to move on "we are very close, just two more hours, just over the hill, we can make it" (p. 124-125) - "I would like to leave my family here where they will be safe, and return to fight against the Taliban" (128) - (Protecting his family gives him strength and courage to fight).
Vocabulary:
tattered (126) : Adj. ragged, torn to shreds.
malek (126): N. an administrative manager.
surmeh (127): N. oily black substance used to outlined the eyes. It is supposed to fight diseases.
mujahid (128): N. an Islamic warrior.
shale (129): N. a clay-like rock composed of sediment that has a laminated structure.
Possible questions:
1- In this chapter, how does the author show that Najmah has little knowledge of the outside world?
2- What does Khalida do to go from a boy to a woman? (p. 127)
3- Why was she dressed as a boy, and does the malek think it is a good idea?
