Reading #1 1-30
Reading #2 31-61
Reading #3 62-96
Reading #4 97-115
Reading #5 116-143
Reading #6 144-end
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!)
Answer your group's question by keeping a list of references.
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?
9. What is the significance of Aunt Zohra and her family?
10. What is the significance of Hamoudi and Lila?
11. 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.
12. Contrast p. 69, kif kif tomorrow and p. 178 kif kif. What does this change in language suggest about Doria?
13. What do you make of the end? What do you think happens to Doria?
14. 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?
Written responses:
15. In what specific ways can you relate/identify with Doria? How does your connection to her inform your reading of the novel? What does the novel make you think about your own life?
16. In what specific ways can you not relate/identify? How does your lack of connection to her inform your reading of the novel? How does the lack of connection help you think about your own life?