Ahimsa

What is the arc of Anjali’s character development? How does she grow throughout the novel? Cite passages from the novel to support your views.

India’s society still hasn’t fully accepted Dalits, and the freedom movement is still working toward justice for all Indian people. What message is the novel trying to convey?

How does Chachaji change throughout the story? Cite passages from the novel to support your views.

How is Anjali part of a longer line of strong women in the novel? What does the story convey about the history of women in India’s freedom movement?

What role does Mohan play in the novel, especially since he isn’t there to see the school integrated at the end? Cite passages from the novel to support your views.

What does education mean to the characters in this book? To Ma? To the Dalits? Cite passages from the story to support your arguments.

What does the charkha, or loom, symbolize? Why is it important to the freedom fighters and to Anjali? Cite passages from the book and from Mahatma Gandhi.

How does Anjali and Irfaan’s friendship symbolize unity between Hindus and Muslims? What other elements or events in the novel symbolize unity? What forces try to work against such unity and why?