Keeping Corner

Keeping Corner

by Kashmira Sheth

About the book:
Pretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela has always been the pet of her family. She’s never cared much for school and barely takes notice of the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine. And now, as she prepares to move in with her husband’s family, she’s too busy collecting bangles and ribbons to care about much else. But when Leela’s husband dies, her life changes forever. Instead of being showered with gifts and affection, she is forced to shave her head and give away her beloved saris and bangles. Leela will have to be confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning for a boy she barely knew. When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers to give Leela lessons at home. For the first time, Leela begins to open her eyes to the changing world around her. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who has started a political movement and practices satyagraha—nonviolent protest—against the colonists and the caste system. The quiet strength of satyagraha may liberate her country. Could it be that she can use the same path to liberate herself? In this novel based on the story of her great aunt, Kashmira Sheth paints a heartfelt and evocative portrait of a child widow in Gandhi-era India.

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of the book which include hope, sacrifice, non-violence, family obligation, education and social change.

 

Discussion Guide:

1. When the novel opens, Leela is most concerned about what things in her life? What is important to her?  What are her plans for her future? Who decided them?
2. Describe the family living arrangements in Leela’s home. What would be great about living with an extended family? What would be difficult? Which members are Leela closest to? Why? Who would you most like to live with in your extended family?
   
    
3. Who is Ramanlal? What kind of relationship does Leela have with him as the novel opens? What glimpse does the reader get of her future life as his bride? Do you think they would be happy together? How is that future destroyed?
4. What are the customs surrounding death in Leela’s Brahmen community? Which ones are particularly difficult for her to surrender to? Which ones would be most difficult for you?
5. What exactly is keeping corner? Why must Leela uphold the traditions of her family and community? What consequences will they face if she does not?  Does her brother agree with these commands or not? Why?
6. What is Leela’s only opportunity for her future? Who takes her on a journey though she cannot leave her house? At first Leela is not much interested in study how does this change over the course of the novel? How does Saviben make the year bearable for Leela?
7. Leela begins following the new ideas of Gandhiji (known as Gandhi in the western world) as he leads his people into a series of protests through nonviolence. How does Gandhi and other writers make Leela begin questioning her fate?
8. At what price did Leela’s family keep the satyagrah? Did she believe it was worth the sacrifice? How could there be “a victory in the defeat?”  How does Leela’s family compare in wealth and circumstance to most of their countrymen?
9. Why is Leela suddenly jealous of Lakha’s new wife, Shani? How does Leela treat her at first?  The growth and blossoming of their friendship shows what changes in Leela? What does Leela learn from Shani that makes her suffering particularly hard to bear?  Shani brings out the best in Leela. Which friends do that for you?
10. Discuss Leela’s relationship with her brother, Kanubhai. How does he work on her behalf? What sacrifices does he make for her?  Why do her parents feel powerless to act on her behalf?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write at least five journal entries as if you are Leela as you read the novel. Don’t just summarize events either make it sound like she is writing the journal herself.

Character chart:

Fill in the graphic organizer about the many changes you see in Leela over the course of the novel.

	Physical	Social	Intellectual
Beginning
Ending

History:

Study the satyagrah movement that was led by Ghandi. Create a timeline about what you learned and illustrate it with your own pictures or those from sources.

Research the caste system in India. In a journal response, describe not just what you learned but also your response to it’s limitations for individuals.

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

by Kashmira Sheth

About the book:

Jeeta’s family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold. She knows that tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations, the elaborate displays the expensive wedding parties- but where is the love and romance that the movies promise? When Jeeta falls for Neel, the cousin of her new friend Sarina, Jeeta realizes she must strike a balance between independence and duty, and follow her own path.

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this novel, which include friendship, family expectations, education, beauty, mother/daughter relationships, traditions, and self-identity.

Discussion Guide:

1.      What did you learn about contemporary Indian culture that you didn’t know before reading this novel? What things reminded you of your own family? What details were different?

2.      Describe Mummy’s process for finding a suitable husband for her daughters. How is it different than when Mummy was young? Sarina is not opposed to this formal process if she doesn’t fall in love herself. Would you be open to meeting a potential spouse that your parents introduced you to? Why or why not?

3.      Why does Mummy say that it will be difficult to find a suitable match for Jeeta? What qualities does she find undesirable in her daughter? How difficult would this be to hear from your mom? Do you think her mother is cruel or only trying to show her how to change?

4.      Describe Sarina and her parents. How does Jeeta’s friendship change her outlook on her future? What does she learn from Sarina and her family?

5.      In the beginning of the novel Jeeta sees Neel at the pool but worries about even smiling at him in public. By the end of the book her actions are much bolder. What are they? How has she gained the courage to change so much? Would you be brave enough to buck family expectations and cultural traditions? What makes you think so? Are there any ways you do this within your own family? How?

6.      What is the outcome of Mohini’s marriage? What does she do? Why was she afraid to come home? Do you think these events helped change Mummy’s plans for Jeeta? Why?

7.      What are the traditional roles for sons and daughters in India? How are those roles changing?

8.      Jeeta isn’t considered a true beauty by her mother and other family members. Why? Are there any qualities that all cultures agree makes someone beautiful? What are they? Why do we find physical beauty so important?

9.      Find your favorite description in the book and share a few of the sentences with the group. Why did you choose this selection? What did you learn by reading it? What is the most fascinating fact that you learned?

10.  Predict what you think the future holds for Jeeta. Will she pursue a career in law? Will she choose Neel as her future husband? How will she treat her own daughter if she has any?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Pretend that Jeeta could not call Mohini in America. Write the letter that she would send her sister instead.

Math:

Plan a trip to India! Find out how much airfare, lodging and food would be to visit Mumbai and other interesting sites you’d like to see in Jeeta’s country. Be sure you plan enough money for souvenirs. Create an itinerary and brochure about your trip which has detailed information about excursions, tours and prices.

Art:

Visit the Contemporary Indian Art Museum online and peruse through at least three different artist’s works. Then, create your own piece of art inspired by what you saw.

Blue Jasmine

Discussion Guide for

Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Sheth

1. Discuss Seema’s friendship with Mukta. How does it change throughout the novel? How do they change each other’s lives? Who changes more?

2. Raju and Seema’s relationship is both close and conflicted. Discuss what issues divide them and what maintains their alliance. With whom did you usually side in their disagreements? Why?

3. Predict where Seema, Raju, Carrie, and Mukta will be in five years. Whose life will be the most changed? Why do you think so?

4. What events cause Seema and her family the most difficulty in living so far from family? What makes these events easier to bare? What would you miss most if you lived in a foreign country?

5. Seema describes her transition to America to the game of Chutes and Ladders. Discuss what events were “up” for Seema and what events “slid” her backward. Which ones would be the most difficult for you? Why?

6. Discuss Seema’s presentation on Kasturba Gandhi. Do you think it was a turning point for Seema? Why? What did she gain from the experience? What did her classmates learn about Seema and her culture?

7. Raju says to Seema (p. 154) “You said you like that blue flower that blooms only once a year. What about the plumeria, parijat and jasmine that have bloomed for you for the past twelve years? How can you forget them?” Is Raju only talking about the flowers? How do other flowers mentioned in the book also represent more than what they are? ( Ex: Raju’s gift of the angel wing jasmine, the dandelions, neem tree)

8. Compare and contrast the traditions and festivals that the Trevedi’s are missing in India to the new ones they are experiencing in America. How are the celebrations similar in the two countries? How are they different?

9. Discuss Seema’s conflict with Carrie. What does Seema learn about herself and her view of her old friend Mutka? Do you think it is possible that Carrie and Seema could actually become friends? Can people really change?

10. Mrs. Trevedi and Seema both feel quite isolated after first moving to America. How do things begin to change for them? What do you think is the most important when trying to fit in to a new community?

Projects:

Art:

Make at least ten prints or rubbings of a variety of flora and fauna in your neighborhood. Use plant guides or the internet to identify their species. Put your work in a folder with three punch holes and add to your collection as the seasons change.

Language:

Make a list of at least twenty slang words (all appropriate to school!) or idioms that a person learning English as a second language might have difficulty understanding like Seema did with “you left the barn door wide open on that one!”

History:

Research the satyagraha or passive resistance movement that the Gandhiji’s promoted during their lifetime. Make a timeline of their lives and work and important milestones in their personal and public lives.