Friday

Friday students worked in groups to discuss Nectar.

If you were absent, please respond to the following in your notebook:

Describe a scene from the novel that lingers in your mind and explain why it is a scene that lingers in your mind.

2. What secret involving Kunthi does Nathan reveal to Rukmani? What secret does Rukmani reveal in turn? What does their willingness to confess suggest about their relationship? Do you think they are right to confess? Why or why not?

3. How does Raja meet his death? Why do the men from the tannery visit Rukmani a few days later? In your opinion, what is the purpose of this scene in the novel?

4. Ira is very unhappy after she tries to answer her son’s difficult questions about his birth. What does Nathan say to Rukmani about comforting Ira? What do you think he means by this advice?

5. Rukmani switches to the present tense when describing Raja’s funeral. Reread this passage in chapter 15 (p. 89). What effect does the change in tense produce? Why might the author have chosen to tell this episode in the present tense?

6. At the end of chapter 19 (pp. 110-112), Kennington and Rukmani discuss their approaches to suffering and injustice. Sum up each person’s opinions. With which person do you agree? Why?

7. In chapter 23 (pp. 131-132), Rukmani describes the influence of the tannery on the lives of the villagers in such a way that the tannery becomes a symbol. In a paragraph, explain what the tannery symbolizes. What aspects of the tannery lead you to this conclusion?

8. Family values is a popular topic among politicians, religious leaders, educators, journalists, and others. Although opinions differ on just what values are appropriate for families, most people agree that families are the best vehicles for teaching important moral lessons. Discuss the values that Nathan and Rukmani pass on to their family. Provide specific examples from the text for support.

Homework: Finish reading Nectar.