Hello all,
If you're anything like me, your mind is a wee bit rusty on thinking about books critically.
Here's some questions that might help to get the thought process going!
The questions contain spoilers; so don't read on if you haven't read the book.
The author chose to tell the story from the provocative point of view of an exceedingly charming, egotistical admitted murderer. Do Balram's ambition and charisma make his vision clearer? More vivid? Did he win you over?
Balram blames the culture of servitude in India for the stark contrasts between the Light and the Darkness and the antiquated mind set that slows change. Discuss his rooster coop analogy and the role of religion, the political system, and family life in perpetuating this culture. What do you make of the couplet Balram repeats to himself: "I was looking for the key for years / but the door was always open"?
Did you feel Balram was justified in killing Ashok?
Balram's thoughts of his family initially hold him back from killing Ashok. What changes his mind? Why do you think he goes back to retrieve Dharam at the end of the novel? Does his decision absolve him in any way?
The novel reveals an India that is as unforgiving as it is promising. Do you think of the novel, ultimately, as a cautionary tale or a hopeful one?
Hope that helps and doesn't give you to many awful highschool flashbacks.
Just to note I am a superwoman as I am typing one-handed whilst breastfeeding,
See you in a couple of weeks!
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