1. on What Day Was Rushdie Issued a Fatwa? How Is This Ironic?

Salman Rushdie Documentary

Directions: As you watch the documentary, answer the following questions (either by hand or on your electronic device). PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THIS SHEET.

1. On what day was Rushdie issued a fatwa? How is this ironic?

2. What is a fatwa?

3. To whom was the fatwa issued and why?

4. The Satanic Verses is a novel, but Khomeini subtly distorted the book’s title when he dropped the “The.” How does this change the meaning?

5. What is Rushdie’s immediate reaction to the fatwa, and what does his reaction suggest?

6. Rushdie says, “It’s nice when novels are dangerous; it seems to be that art happens at the edge.” What does this mean?

7. Where was Rushdie born? Why is this significant in terms of The Satanic Verses controversy?

8. How many countries banned the book?

9. What does Hesham El Essawy, from the Islamic Society for the Promotion of Religious Tolerance, warn the book publishers to do and why?

10. What does a book burning symbolize?

11. How was the controversy surrounding The Satanic Verses responsible for creating a more confident British Muslim identity?

12. Who dies or is injured as a result of the fatwa?

13. How did the controversy surrounding The Satanic Verses affect diplomatic relations between Britain and Iran?

14.Rushdie is considered to be in more danger than anyone in the country, except the Queen. What level of protection does the British government give Rushdie?

15. Who is Zafar?

16. The dedication at the beginning of Haroun and the Sea of Stories is an acrostic poem. To whom is the book dedicated? Analyze this dedication’s meaning.

17. How much does Khomeini offer as a reward for Rushdie’s murder?

18. How does Rushdie’s apology emphasize sympathy?

19. On day 9 of the fatwa,as an atmosphere of intimidation flourishes, who else is at risk?

20. On day 15 of the fatwa, what does Rushdie write in his diary?

21. When was Haroun first published? What does this tell you about the circumstances under which Rushdie wrote the book?

22. How did the death of Ayatollah Khomeini complicate issues?

23. What happens just weeks after the failed attempt against Rushdie’s life?

24. What happens on Sept. 24, 1998?

25. Why does free press matter?

26. In your opinion, which character in Haroun best represents Salman Rushdie? Explain your answer using at least 2-3 specific details from the text.

27. In your opinion, which character in Haroun best represents the Ayatollah Khomeini?

Explain your answer using at least 2-3 specific details from the text.

28. How is this controversy a P2C2E?