33 pages • 1-hour read
God Grew Tired of Us
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
At the end of Chapter 5 Dau wonders, “Which America, bright or dark, is the truer one?” (230). Use specific textual examples to explore the meaning of this question. Specifically, what are the bright and dark aspects of America that Dau encounters? How do these opposing sides define his relationship to America?
Explain the role of religion in the memoir. How is faith defined in Dau’s life? Using specific textual examples, consider how Dau’s faith is shaped by his journey.
Explore the importance of culture. Specifically, how does Dau maintain his Dinka roots while in America? What are the implications of losing that cultural identity?
The cycle between displacement and refuge is a major theme of the narrator’s story. Using specific textual examples, explore how Dau’s perspective shifts because of this cycle. Specifically, how does Dau view the world considering his circumstances?
In Chapter 4 Dau says, “Many outsiders looked at the refugees in Kakuma and took pity on us for how little we had. Others, including some of the Turkana, looked at us with jealousy for how much we had” (145). Explore this idea in relation to Dau’s journey throughout the refugee camps and in America. How does his perspective change? How does the way others view him change?
Dau continually emphasizes the importance of family. What role does family play in Dinka culture? How does this differ with Dau’s observations of family in America?
How does Dau believe that the diaspora can be ended in Sudan? And how does Dau use his experiences to spark this change?
What do cows represent in Dinka culture? What does the absence of the cows mean for the displaced Dinka boys?
What does America symbolize for Dau? How does his view of America change throughout his story?
Consider the idea of refuge. How does Dau find refuge during his displacement? How does his idea of refuge change when he relocates to America?
Unlock all 33 pages of this Study Guide
Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.
- Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
- Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
- Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs