LITR2 WK8 A Century Ends and a New Millennium Begins – Part II

Part I: Describe the homeless narrator. What does Jackson Jackson mean when he says that he’s been “disappearing” slowly but surely, “piece by piece”? Compare those lines with the closing lines (breathtaking in their beautiful imagery) when Jackson says, “They all watched me dance with my grandmother. I was my grandmother, dancing.” (Sherman Alexie- “What You Pawn I Will Redeem”)

Part II: Although the setting is Boston, we are exposed to Indian culture and values in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Third and Final Continent.” To what extent is the story about social and cultural differences–their reconcilability or irreconcilability? To what extent is the story about love, compatibility, disappointment, endurance, hope, against all odds? (Jhumpa Lahiri- “The Third and Final Continent”)

Part III: Optional Extra Story/Response: After reading Native American author Louise Erdrich’s short story “The Shawl” , consider how it is possible that children can re-envision and actually rewrite the history of their parents to create an opportunity for healing old wounds. This story tends to elicit an emotional response from readers. If you’re one of them, share your experience after reading it.