Shabanu In Class “Discussion Questions” & Study Guide

Directions: Follow teacher instructions to either work individually or with a partner to complete the following questions on your own binder paper. Pay attention and use detail, for these questions will help serve as a study guide for this section’s quiz. Keep these answers to help you study for the FINAL EXAM!

Ch1-4

A. List important facts and events for each of these characters in THIS section:

  • Mama
  • Dadi
  • Guluband
  • Mithoo
  • Tipu
  • Kalu
  • Hamir
  • Murad

B. In this section, Dadi and Shabanu take a journey. Where are they going and why?

C. This journey causes several different emotional changes in Shabanu. How is she feeling before the trip and why? How does she feel during the trip? Once they arrive?

D. One of the themes of this novel is the role of women in traditional Muslim Pakistani culture. How would you describe the role of women? How does Shabanu feel about it? How do you know?

Ch 5-8

A. List important facts and events for each of these characters in THIS section:

  • Bugtis
  • SherDil
  • Old man in the shawl shop

B. In this section, Dadi and Shabanu take a journey. Where are they going and why?

C. Dadi and Shabanu’s journey has come to an end. It has caused several changes. What are they? How does Shabanu feel about the changes?

D. In Ch 3, Mama said, “Shabanu, you are wild as the wind. You must learn to obey. Otherwise… I am afraid for you” (28). Does this quote match Shabanu’s actions in Chapter 8? Describe at least one time when Shabanu IS obedient. Describe at least one time when she is NOT. Argue for which one is more true to Shabanu’s inner feelings.

Ch 9-13

A. List important facts and events for each of these characters in THIS section:

  • Auntie
  • Sharma
  • Fatima

B. The theme of women being obedient has been a theme throughout the novel. Do Sharma and Fatima seem to fit society’s view? How are they traditional women? How are they not?

C. Auntie has a very strong reaction to Sharma and her choice of lifestyle. What is this reaction? Knowing what you do about Auntie’s personality, why do you think that is?

D. Summarize in 4-6 sentences what has happened to Grandfather over these last few chapters.

Ch14-18

A. List important facts and events for each of these characters in THIS section:

  • Grandfather
  • “thirsty dead” man
  • Lal Khan
  • Kulsum
  • Hamir

B. The family is taking a journey to Mehrabpur for a few different reasons. What are they?

C. Once they reach their destination, things seem to be going well, when there is a sudden, surprising incident that will change their lives forever. Summarize this event in 4-6 sentences. End with at least two sentences predicting what might happen later in the novel to resolve this conflict.

Ch19-23

A. List important facts and events for each of these characters in THIS section. INCLUDE HOW THEIR STORY ENDS.

  • Rahim
  • Nazir
  • Phulan
  • Mama
  • Sharma

B. To solve their problem with Nazir, an agreement is made. Summarize the agreement and what it means for Phulan, Mama & Dadi, and Shabanu. Include how each of them feel about the agreement.

C. Sharma offers Shabanu a choice. What is it?

D. Shabanu is tormented by this choice. When she finally chooses, something stops her from following through. Summarize this section of the story, in 4-6 sentences.

E. The final pages contain a scene between Shabanu and her father. Summarize, in 3-5 sentences, what occurs. How did you feel about it and why?

F. What does Shabanu mean, that she has learned to “Keep your reserves hidden” (240).