DISCUSSION QUESTIONS How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House |
1. How does HOW
THE ONE-ARMED SISTER SWEEPS HER HOUSE portray
women and the roles of women on Paradise island? What does the book say
about the role of men?
2. In this book, women
struggle against violence, as well as the silence that enables violence.
When do Wilma, Esme and Lala decide to be silent, and when do they
decide they must speak?
3. What is your interpretation of the
phrase “as man”? How is this phrase important to Adan and Tone?
4. What was your first impression of
the way Wilma treats her daughter and granddaughter? Did your opinion
change as you read further?
5. Do you believe it is
Lala’s fault that Baby died? Why do you think Adan puts all the blame on
her?
6. Why do you think Mira is
so plagued by her husband’s death?
7. How does the past haunt Lala, Wilma
and Mira? Do you think any of them are victims of fate? Which character
do you think has the most control over their life?
8. Discuss the similarities
and differences between Adan and Tone.
9. What does Lala’s name mean to the
characters in this novel? How do the other characters (Esme, Wilma, Tone
and Adan) respond to her sing-song title? How does Lala feel about her
own name?
10. How do Sergeant Beckles’
interactions with Sheba affect the way he investigates Baby’s death?
What does this book have to say about the relationship between crime and
law enforcement?
11. Why does Lala decide to run away
instead of calling the police when Mira is found bleeding out on the
patio?
12. Throughout the book,
Tone struggles to suppress “The Thing That Eats Him.” Do certain people
bring it out in him? What kinds of interactions make it harder for him
to keep it under control?
13. What is the significance of the
tunnels that Tone, Adan and Lala enter at the end of the book?
14. Do you believe that there is a
happy conclusion for Mira, Lala and Tone? Discuss the ways they have
they been freed or shackled in the ending of this story.
15. What role does the parable of the
“One-Arm Sister” play in this novel? |
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