Post date: Oct 03, 2009 9:8:51 PM
This week, we begin reading Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow and we will continue the reading next week. You will read about 30 pages per night. You should use the Reading Guide to direct your reading. You need to be prepared to answer the questions on the sheet; these questions will be the focus of our discussion.
Please make notes on the question you are an "expert" on.
Here is the reading schedule:
For Monday, 10/5, bring the book to class
For Tuesday, 10/6 read to 30
For Wednesday, 10/7, read to 61
For Thursday, 10/8 revise your writing piece
For Friday, 10/9, read to 91
For Tuesday, 10/13, read to 122
For Wednesday, 10/14, read to 152
For Thursday, 10/15, read to end; make sure you have answered #12 in writing (notes are fine)
For Friday, 10/16 write answer to #16-17
Reading Guide
As you read, make note of any questions you have about the novel. (Make note = write!)
You should also make note of what strikes you most about the novel and what strikes you most about Doria. (Make note = write!)
1. In KKT Doria fights against expectations for girls within her world. What are those expectations? List them. (List means write.) Be as specific as you can in your answer. Note page references.
2. What are the specific obstacles Doria faces in her life? List them. Note page references.
3. What are the specific elements in the world or in herself which help Doria? List them. Note page references.
4. How does Doria survive? What does she do to cope with the hardship of her life? List the ways she copes. Again, be as specific as you can in your answer. Note page references.
5. Trace Doria’s relationship to Nabil. He is introduced on p. 38 and will reappear throughout the novel. How would you characterize her relationship with him?
6. What is the significance of Doria’s relationship with Mme. Burlaud? What role does Madame play in her life? Note pp. 2-3; 32; 55; 62 137; 147; 168
7. Explain this line: “Mme Burlaud told me I’ll be completely cured the day I see me in the mirror. Just me.” (p 145)
8. Keep track of the traditional images of France that appear in the novel. For instance, p 9, Doria refers to the cheese maker, who “drives around the little villages of deal old la belle France in his sky blue van on Sunday mornings after Mass, selling rye break, old- fashioned Roquefort cheese, and saucisson sec.” What other references can you find?
9. Doria talks about mektoub or destiny. “Fate is all trial and misery and you can’t do anything about it. Basically, no matter what you do you’ll always get screwed over.” This is her mother’s view of life. Is it Doria’s? Does she accept this view of life? Or does she develop another view?
10. What is the significance of Aunt Zohra and her family?
11. What is the significance of Hamoudi and Lila?
12. What are the signs that Doria has grown up and matured? List them. Again, be as specific as you can in your answer. Note page references that support your claim.
13. Contrast p. 69, kif kif tomorrow and p. 178 kif kif. What does this change in language suggest about Doria?
14. What do you make of the end? What do you think happens to Doria?
15. Looking at the novel as a whole, is there one moment or one experience that you think is the turning point for Doria? Which one? Why? If you don't think there was one moment, then explain why.
Written responses:
16.-17.We have spent time in class discussing the character of Doria and analyzing her experience. We have talked about the obstacles she faces, the ways she copes, and the strengths she has. For a final essay, you are to think about all these elements about Doria and write about the change she goes through. Here is the question:
How would you characterize the change Doria goes through? She moves from WHAT to WHAT? To answer the question, you need
1) to identify the major change you think Doria goes through in the year depicted in the novel;
2) to find specific textual details to prove your claim about her;
3) to organize the details to support your point.
A "C" essay must have at least 6 specific references to the novel (two from the beginning, two from the middle, and two from the end)
A "B" essay must have a least 9 specific references to the novel (three from the beginning, three from the middle, and three from the end);
An "A" essay must have at least 12 specific references to the novel (four from the beginning, four from the middle, and four from the end)
Length of the response should be at least two pages of double spaced 12 point type.
Audience: teenagers who have read the novel
Due Date: Friday, October 16.