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A media circus erupts thanks to Turtle's role in the rescue at the beginning of the book. Because of the resulting publicity, the lives of the book's characters are disrupted. What do you think of media coverage of such "human interest" events, especially of public involvement in private relationships? Do you watch daytime talk shows like "Oprah"? Do you think they go too far in exposing people's private lives? Why would anyone want to reveal painful private secrets to the media? Should the content of such shows be censored? Why or why not? |
Second section (Choose ONE of the options listed in this box.) |
One of the characters on the book makes herself into the image of a Barbie doll. What do her obsessions show about stereotypical gender roles or values in society as a whole? Contrast Barbie's influence on society with that of another popular image of what a woman (or man) should be. |
Consider this question: What does the "Pigs in Heaven" story as told by Annawake show about the relationship between the adults and children in the book? Are any similar stories told in your family, community, or culture to discipline children or make them think about what they are doing? Comment on what you think specific stories show about values in your family, community, or culture. |
One of the themes of the novel focuses on the differences between Native American and U.S. culture as a whole. What are those differences, as the book represents them? What characteristics of Native American society should, do you think, the larger society emulate or learn from? If you are Native American, is the book representative of your experience? |
Third section (Choose ONE of the options listed in this box.) |
No matter what your cultural background is, you probably have encountered people who live and think differently from the way you do. Explain how specific cultural encounters--or even clashes--have affected you. |
The novel is concerned about defining the idea of "family" and "community" and "love." Explain what you think these terms mean and what their outstanding characteristics are. |
Fourth section (Choose ONE of the options listed in this box.) |
Pigs in Heaven has been praised by critics and enjoyed by general readers. Explain why you think the book has been so well-accepted. Do you like the book yourself? Explain why or why not. |
Cross cultural adoptions have been causing controversy in recent years. Do you think that children should be placed in homes that do not share their cultural or ethnic background? Take a stand on this issue, trying to persuade a hostile audience of your point of view. |
Choice A: In a thesis/example or comparison/contrast format, explain a saying or a story that your parents or elders may have used to discipline you or make you think about what you were doing, similar to the "Pigs in Heaven" story told by Annawake. You might explore the idea of what the story shows about your family values or explore why the story was effective in changing your behavior--or why it was not. Or you might contrast the effect your parents HOPED the story would have compared with the influence it DID have. One other option: You might point out the differences or similarities in the way the Native Americans in the novel guide their children compared to the way your parents disciplined you.A thesis/example or comparison/contrast organizational strategy may help you discover and express your ideas. |
Choice B: Explain how a specific cultural encounter (or clash) has affected you or contrast a stereotyped vision you've held of another gender or culture with your present understanding of the weaknesses or problems with that stereotype. OR you could show how society as a whole has the wrong idea about a group to which you belong by contrasting the stereotype to the reality of your experience. A thesis/example or comparison/contrast organizational strategy may help you discover and express your ideas. |
Choice C: Define your idea of "community" or "family" or "love" by contrasting it to another person's, family's, or community's. A definition format may help you discover and express your ideas, or you may want to use a comparison/contrast or thesis/example organizational strategy. |
Choice D1: Analyze a book review of the novel; summarize the writer's point of view, and then agree or disagree with the content of the review. Be sure to use the standard argumentative format,as discussed on page 38-39 in your Scott, Foresman Handbook. |
Choice D2: Persuade a hostile audience of your point of view on cross-cultural adoption. Be sure to use the standard argumentative format, as discussed on page 38-39 in your Scott, Foresman Handbook. |
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