Rotation 5 Discussion, pages 192-240, Discussion Leader: Sana
Sana:Hey guys! The discussion for the last rotation will take place here for the pages 192-240. I will be asking a few questions and would like you to answer them based on your opinion. Good luck!
Sana: 1) Why does Shabanu ignore Aunty when she speaks sharply to Shabanu, implying that Shabanu is to blame for Hamir's death? What does this say about Shabanu and how she views Aunty?
Eailya: Shabanu has almost always dealt with aunties critisicm about her. She knows that she doesnt ever really need to listen to what auntie says because she only should care about her own opinion and the true facts.
Quynh: Shabanu had always view Auntie as a bitter woman whos words are nothing but nonsense to her. She had learned not to let other people's opinions affect her and only should focus on the facts.
Sana: 2) In your opinion, do you think there could be anything done to prevent Nazir Mohammad from attacking? If yes, what?
Eailya: The outcome could have changed but for him coming couldn’t have been prevented because people like him have this set mindset of getting what they want with whatever means necessary which basically proves a lot about the world we live in today
Quynh: In my opinion, there was nothing to prevent Mohammad from attacking. When he set his eyes on Phulan, he thought of her as a "prize" and would do anything to get what he wants. He sees women as another piece of property that could be bought for a price.
Sana: 3) Shabanu understands that she has been sacrificed to save Phulan and Murad. She flatly refuses to obey her mother. She tells the women that she will go to live with Sharma. Before Shabanu can utter another word, her mother slaps her forcefully, why does Shabanu act furious and independent as if she can be just fine on her own? Why does Mama slap Shabanu and not listen to her opinion as to why she wants to leave?
Eailya: Mama is only doing whats best for her child. Mama is influenced by the harsh and social norms that everyone has to obey. She feels that if her youngest daughter were to go against those norms, it could affect not only her reputation but shabanus as well along with her safety. Shabanu looks up to Sharma, she was the one who made her realize she has a choice in her fate. Shabanu is only trying to fulfill that choice.
Quynh: Shabanu views Sharma as a role model to her and both characters are strikingly similar in personality. Sharma counsels her that she could choose her own fate, which influences Shabanu's actions. However, both of her parents including Mama only want what is best for her and their family.
Sana: 4) Why do you think Shabanu made the decision of running away? Was it a successful journey? What could she have done instead?
Eailya: From listening to Sharmas advise, the only thing on shabanus mind is to be decide her own fate and not from the expectations of others because after all it is her decision and her life. At that moment of leaving though, shes leaving many things behind which she could have clearly thought about first. She wants to start fresh but she should have rationally thought about her choice to see if its worth giving up so much for something else.
Quynh: Shabanu lost many of the people that were close to her, such as her grandfather, guluband, and now murad who has been married off to her older sister, phulan. When Rahim-sahib asked for her hand in marriage, her parents immediately accepted without considering what Shabanu thought of it. All of these factors led to her making the choice of running away from her family. She ran off with Xhush Dil and Mithoo, however, when mithoo broke his leg, she decided to huddle with him and wait for Dadi to find them. In the passage, Shabanu knew what she was doing was not clever but there was nothing else she could have done to get herself out of the arranged marriage.
Sana: Based on all the responses, we can come to a conclusion that Shabanu ignores Aunty when she tells Shabanu that Hamir's death is her fault because she has dealt with her criticism, and cares about her own opinions. The attack of Nazir Mohammed could not have been prevented, since his mindset is set to what he wants and his desires, and does not care as to what the outcome could me. Mama slaps Shabanu when she says she wants to leave because it's for her benefit, and the harsh treatment would make her realise that it is not the right thing to do, and to make more wiser decisions for her well being. Shabanu made the decision to run away because she has been listening to Sharma's advice and she wants to leave all the bad things behind and start fresh. Therefore, this says that Shabanu is growing into an independent woman and is starting to make her own decisions.
