Rotation 3 Discussion, pages 96-144, Discussion Leader: Quynh
Quynh: Hey guys! I will be your discussion leader for rotation 3, which will be based on chapters 10-15 (pages 96-144) of Shabanu. You will be asked 5 questions and I expect you to answer as best as you could. Towards the end of the discussion, I will conclude with a summary post. Have fun!
Quynh: 1) Based on the reading so far, what are Shabanu's internal and external conflicts? How will this influence her actions?
Eailya: She's having to deal with the harsh reality of adult life, so much already has happened such as the lost of guluband, her grandfathers death, moving away from her home. She is slowly slipping away from her childhood and its making her realize how she doesn't want to face the world of adulthood. Everyone has these expectations of her but in all honesty she doesn't want to live a life that involves her releasing her true identity.
Sana: Shabanu has to go through the desert storm, which brings her to reality and gives her an idea of how her family deals with such situation. Additionaly, Shabanu has gone through rough times and has also been thinking about Phulan's wedding which adds on.
Quynh: 2) With the wedding coming up in twelve weeks, how does Phulan's behaviors and actions contrast with Shabanu's?
Eailya: Phulan is starting to become more of an adult which leaves shabanu alone to deal with her own child like nature. it all comes back to expecations that are made of womenin the household. Shabanu too will have to act as phulan when she grows older but at the moment shabanu just wants to cherish her childhood as much as she can.
Sana: Since shabanu has time to get married, Shabanu observes and notices how things are done in such setting. Phulan is now a grown woman, she acts wise and mature compared to Shabanu.
Quynh: 3) What do you think Grandfather's death marks a turning point for?
Eailya: She loses someone who shared the same thoughts as her. He understood the struggles she was going through, but know she doesn't have someone anymore to share those thoughts with. It leaves her distressed and only makes a realization that she's really on her own now.
Sana: The bond between Shabanu and her Grandfather was significant. He has been understanding and knows what Shabanu has been going through. Now that her Grandfather is not there to support her anymore, she is scarred and realizes that it is time to be responsible and be independent
Quynh: 4) In chapter 15, Bibi Lal greets Phulan with motherly warmth. Shabanu observes that Mama "looks relieved", why do you think that is?
Eailya: Im not completely sure if I’m right about this but i think that shes relieved because in order for an arranged marriage to work both sides obviously need to be on the same terms with what they want and be accepted into the new family. When bibi la hugs and kisses phulan it shows that shes grateful and glad to accept phulan into her family. It makes mama relieved that this marriage can potentially work out and that both sides of the family will not experience any conflict as of so far.
Sana: I think that Bibi Lal makes Mama feel comfortable, and give a good impression of themselves, so they can get along for the arranged marriage.
Quynh: 5) Do you think Shabanu will marry Murad judging from her rebellious nature? Why or why not?
Eailya: In all honesty I think that she may find a way to completely free herself from the burden and expectations from everyone around her and finally do something that she herself wants. From this point on she has defied any common act that women are supposed to portray and has done what she wants most.
Sana: I think that Shabanu will not marry Murad because she might realize what is right for her and what is not, she would not want to marry a person that judges her. She will start to make wise decisions and knows what is best for herself.
Quynh: To conclude our 3rd rotation, we can all agree that judging from Shabanu's conflicts from losing her grandfaher to moving away from home will affect her in the long run. Her grandfather shared a special rapport with Shabanu and without him, she feels increasingly alone. As the story progresses, she moves away from or loses the comforts of her childhood which could negatively affect her character as a whole.