Essay+Topics

//The Namesake// due Monday, May 24th at 3:00pm


 * 1.** The Ganguli family lifestyle is central to the story. Compare and contrast the Ganguli family's lifestyle to the lifestyle of the Ratliffs. Cite examples from the novel that show differences and explain how those differences are important to the story.

** 2. ** The title **The Namesake** reflects the struggles Gogol Ganguli goes through to identify with his unusual names. How does Gogol lose first his public name, his //bhalonam//, and then his private pet name, his //daknam//? How does he try to remake his identity, after choosing to rename himself, and what is the result? How do our names precede us in society, and how do they define us?

3. At the conclusion of the book, has Gogol successfully reconciled both of the worlds he inhabits with one another? If so, how do you think he achieved this? If not, why do you think he was unable to do so?

4. How does the novel, //The Namesake//, portray the American Dream? Write a critical review of the novel arguing whether or not and/or how the novel depicts the American Dream.

//Kite Runner//


 * 1) Examine the concept of circularity in the novel. What important cycles exist in the characters' lives and histories? How is circularity connected to redemption?
 * 2) Explore the way in which courage is portrayed in the novel. What constitutes true bravery? What are the key moments when characters are brave and who is the bravest character, if any? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.
 * 3) Each character in the novel is shaped not only by his particular circumstances, but by the historical and political events that occur during his life. Consider Sohrab, the only character of his generation; how is he different from the other characters and how are these differences a function of what he has experienced?
 * 1) Consider the idea of a homeland or "watan." How do you think the novel defines a homeland? Make sure to consider the opinions of Farid and Assef. Also, consider this question in terms of Amir and Sohrab, two characters who leave Afghanistan when they are still growing up.
 * 2) Even though countless events occur in the novel, the title refers to kite fighting and kite running. What do these activities represent in the novel and why are they so important? To whom or what does the title, "The Kite Runner," refer?
 * 3) Examine what it means to be American in the novel. How do different characters see America and is there one perspective that comes across most definitively? Some characters you may want to consider: Amir, Baba, General Taheri, Omar Faisal, Farid.
 * 4) Think about acts of violence in the novel individually and as a whole. Why is violence so essential to the story? Could the story occur without so much violence? Using your answer from the previous question, explain what you think Hosseini is using violence to say. You may want to consider: Hassan's rape, Sohrab's rape, the stonings at Ghazi Stadium, Assef and Amir's fight, Sohrab's suicide attempt, the story of Kamal and his father, Hassan and Farzana's murders, Sanaubar's appearance at the house, and the activity of kite fighting.

//No No Boys//

1. Explain the possible reasons why Japanese were discriminated against more than Italians, Negroes, or Chinese after the end of World War II.

2. How is the United Sates discrimination portrayed in the novel? To what extent should the government be allowed to take away constitutional rights in order to protect the country? Make sure you use the novel to support your argument.

3. To what extent do you believe Mrs. Yamada was responsible for Ichiro's confused sense of identity ? Explain and justify Ichiro's identity crisis and whether it was caused by his incarceration or his disconnect from his family. 4. Put yourself in the place of Okada or Ichiro or anyone else forced to answer the loyalty questions. Which choice should Ichiro have made and what would have influenced his decision.