Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Consider the various viewpoints of the term “multiculturalism” for people living in the US. What does the term “multiculturalism” mean for first- and second-generation immigrants? What does it mean for individuals who do not consider themselves immigrants? Has the public perception of multiculturalism changed over time? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This question invites students to consider the sociological context of the story, particularly in relation to the theme Coming of Age as a Second-Generation Immigrant. The protagonist Lilia finds herself in a unique position: she is born and educated in the US; however, she is raised in a house with strong cultural ties to India. As a result, Lilia finds herself in a liminal state, torn between feeling like she does not understand her parents’ culture and realizing she is still learning about her American culture. Her desire to be more in touch with her Indian roots is complicated by her discouragement in learning at school. In this vein, she exists in two spheres: her Indian cultural sphere at home and her American cultural sphere at school and in public spaces.