Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Chapters 23 and 24

34 comments:

  1. Vocabulary for Chapter 23:
    Milch- producing milk.

    Rheumatism- a painful condition where there is a stiffness in joints or muscles.

    Reap- to cut and gather a crop.

    Tilling- To prepare land for the raising of crops.

    Incredulously- skeptical; disbelieving.

    Recompense- to give compensation to somebody for an injury or loss.

    Provision- the act of providing or supplying something.

    Diffidently- lacking self confidence.

    Laden- a heavy load.

    Gape-to look at somebody or something in surprise or wonder, usually with an open mouth.

    Refrain- to hold yourself back from doing something.

    Cleave- to make something split or make a way through something or to penetrate something.

    Lenient- showing tolerance or mercy.

    Relapse- to fall back into a former mood, state, or way of life.

    Clamour- loud uproar, as from a crowd of people.

    Juggernaut- a crushing force.

    Throng- a multitude of people crowded or assembled together.

    Scathed- to harm or injure, especially by fire.

    Hapless- unlucky; unfortunate.

    Extraneous- not relevant; not essential.

    Calamities- a disastrous situation or event.

    Immensities- Extremely large; huge.

    Indignation- anger because something seems
    unfair or unreasonable.

    Counsel- advice sought from or given by somebody, especially somebody who is wise or knowledgeable.

    Avail- to be helpful or useful.

    Redress- to make up for something.

    Perpetual- lasting forever.

    Kindle- brighten or glow.

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  2. Vocabulary for Chapter 24:

    Tamarind- Fruit; a pod containing many seeds within an acid-tasting pulp.

    Pestle- a rod shaped object used for crushing or grinding.

    Mortar- a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime that becomes hard like stone.

    Poignancy- sharp or pungent to the smell.

    Dewy- moist or moist-looking.

    Bales- a large bundle or package prepared for shipping, storage, or sale.

    Carter- somebody who uses a cart for transporting goods or for farm work.

    Stow- put something away neatly.

    Recedes- to become more distant.

    Inexorably- unstoppable.

    Yoke- a wooden frame for harnessing two draft animals to whatever they had to pull.

    Banyan- tropical tree with aerial roots.

    Beacon- a lighthouse or signaling buoy that produces a flashing light to warn or guide ships.

    Loll- to relax in a reclining or leaning position.

    Erect- in an upright position.

    Preparatory- done in preparation for something else.

    Fester- to produce pus because of an infection.

    Cyclists- somebody who rides a bicycle.

    Palpitate- to beat in an irregular or unusually rapid way because
    of exertion, fear, or anxiety.

    Wares- articles of merchandise or manufacture; goods.

    Saffron- a cooking spice.

    Votive- Given or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow or pledge.

    Countenance- face or expression.

    Benignly- kindness and gentleness of disposition or appearance.

    Suppliant- expressing a humble and sincere appeal to somebody who has the power to grant a request.

    Toddy- the sweet sap of a variety of Asian palm tree used as a beverage.

    Beseeching- to ask earnestly or beg somebody to do something.

    Assent- a formal expression of agreement or acceptance.

    Trepidation- fear or uneasiness about the future or a future event.

    Destitute- lacking all money, resources, and possessions necessary for subsistence.

    Strove- to try hard.

    Colonnades- a row of columns, usually supporting a roof or arches.

    Niches- a recess in a wall especially for a statue.

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  3. Historical Context for chapter 24-
    Jutkas- are horse carts which are used for traveling at that time.
    Precinct- the grounds immediately surrounding a religious house or church; an enclosure between buildings, walls.
    Pilaus- A steamed rice dish often with meat, shellfish, or vegetables.

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  4. Plot of chapter 23:
    In the beginning of the chapter Nathan suffered from rheumatism and was unable to work in his land. Rukmani went to ask Kenny for help and he ended giving her advice about how to get Nathan better. A few days later Nathan was fully recovered and was able to work on his crops again. Though, the relief from Nathan's recovery didn't last long. One day while Rukmani went to gather cow dung Sivaji went to Nathan and Rukmani's hut to tell them that they're land was sold to the owners of the tannery and they will be forced to move after a few weeks. Dejected, Rukmani and Nathan prepared to pack and leave their home to go live with their third son Murugan in another village. But Irawaddy and Selvam refused to leave their village, and so Nathan and Rukmani went their journey alone.

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  5. Plot of chapter 24:
    Chapter 24 begins with Rukmani packing the necessary things they need for their journey. The next morning, Nathan and Rukmani get on a Bullock cart and headed to the village where Murugan is at. After a long journey, they reached the village and considering they are unfamiliar with their surroundings, they picked a random road in order to reach Koil Street. After a while Rukmani asked some passerbyers for directions and found out Koil Street was atleast 15 miles away. After walking a few miles Koil Street was still about 6 miles away. Tired and hungry, Rukmani and Nathan rested in front of a doorway and seeing this a old man approched then and offered them help by telling them about a temple which provides food and shelter to the homeless. Rukmani and Nathan thanked him for the information and went to the temple to get a meal. After staying in the temple for a night, Rukmani and Nathan noticed that they left their bundles at another part of the temple and so they went searching for them, but after a long search the bundles were still left unfound and concluded that their possessions were stolen by thieves. Left with only their money, Rukmani and Nathan ends up sleeping in the temple. The chapter ends with Rukmani having a weird dream where the statues of Godesses and Gods were alive.

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  6. In chapter 23 the effects of colonialism are negative particularly for Rukmani and her family because Colonialist have the most power in their village since they make more money, and because of that Rukmani was forced to give up her land and her home because the colonialist offered more money for her land, and now her and Nathan no longer have their land, their possessions and her family is even more broken apart then before.

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  7. Murugan is Rukmani's third son and works in a different town as a servant and he is now married to a family that Rukmani nor the rest of her family knows of.

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  8. @Gloria You wrote too much.

    Question: How come Rukmani and Nathan left their bundle unattended? I believe that they have gone through too many hardships to make such a mistake. I know that they thought that since they were in a temple, there wouldn't be any thieves, but still why?

    I agree with Gloria that the effects of colonialism has had a negative impact on Rukmani and her family. The Tannery are able to take away their land since they are so rich. Rukmani's family hardly has anything, yet the colonialists decide to buy the land for their own benefits. It shows that colonialism negatively impacts Rukmani and her family because everything is being taken away from them. They are very poor people and having a little land was good. Now that they have almost nothing left, their future seems even more hopeless than before.

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    Replies
    1. @Kayla
      They have arrived at a new place and did not know better and they have high hopes for it since they are leaving what was a misfortune of their old village (drought, homeless, jobless, hunger, etc.). They thought this new town was different because they have seen so many new thing and people who have helped others; they thought this wasn't a place for thieves. They haven't gone to many places or traveled much.
      Let's just say that is a fine experience that they will always learn from and remember.

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    2. I still think that they were careless to leave their things behind.

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  9. The tannery in chapter 23 shows its symbolism very well. The tannery represents colonialism since it is controlled by white men with Indians working. They buy the land that Rukmani owns, so now they have nothing. It shows how superior the colonialists, or the tannery, are.

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  10. In chapter 24, colonialism are negative. Rukmani's cooking days are over. She sold most of her cooking vessels, that she had brought with her on her marriage, in order to pay for the debt. This shows how colonialism effected her in a negative way because Colonialists in her village are demanding more money.

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  11. I have a question. In chapter 24 when Selvam tells Rukmani and Nathan to stow their bundles on top of the bales, why does he tell them that? Also, why does Rukimani and Nathan put their bundles in top of the bales carefully?

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    Replies
    1. (@Second Question) They might be afraid of losing it or something happening to their stuff. They have so little and to lose it would be disastrous so they want to be careful.

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  12. Character in chapter 24: Selvam
    Selvam is Rukmani's and Nathan's fifth son. He is hard working and painstaking. However, he is uninterested in farming. When Kenny offered him a job as an assistant in a hospital, he accepts his offer. Selvam and Ira hold and special bond. He is protective of Ira's albino baby.

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  13. Historical Context: Chapter 23.
    In chapter 23, Rukmani's husband Nathan was suffering from rhematism and therefore was unable to work in his land.
    In 1918, the World Health Organization and the International League Associations for Rheumatology launched a special program for the rheumatic disease. This special program had an objective of acquiring data for symptoms involving the rheumatic disease. This program collection key data that identified the risk factors in the rheumatic disease. The program controlled any more causalities by educating the people through health education.

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  14. Sammi Chan
    Period 3
    Vocabulary

    Solemnized- to observe an event or occasion with ceremony or formality
    **(typo in the book which says ‘solemnised’)

    Rail- a long horizontal or sloping piece of wood, metal, or other
    material that is used as a barrier, support, or place to hang things

    Bullocks- a castrated domestic bull

    Sowing- to scatter or plant seed on an area of land in order to grow crops

    Bluntly- very frank or straightforward and showing no delicacy or consideration

    Yield- to produce something naturally or as a result of cultivation

    Wholly- totally and in every way or to the fullest extent

    Timidly- demonstrating a lack of courage or self-assurance

    Dazed- a state of confusion and unclear thinking, often the result of a blow or shock

    Clamour (clamor) - to demand something noisily or desperately
    Juggernaut- Hinduism, a form of the god Krishna. During a festival held

    Resignation- agreement to something, usually given reluctantly but without protest

    Resentment- aggrieved feelings caused by a sense of having been badly treated

    Remote - situated a long way away

    Bidding- somebody's orders or instructions

    Betrayed- to show something, often unintentionally

    Wick- a string or piece of fabric that uses capillary action to draw the fuel to the flame in a candle, oil lamp, or cigarette lighter

    Saucer- a small shallow dish designed to hold a matching cup

    Somber- lacking light or brightness and producing a dull, dark, or melancholy atmosphere

    Tranquil- free from or showing no signs of anxiety or agitation

    Subsequently- at a later time, and often as a consequence

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  16. Period 3
    Question for Chapter 24

    Why did Rukmani even dare to ask for a second portion for her husband when she had seen this kind of situation before?

    I do not remember which chapter, but there was a time when the village they lived at offered food and water to the villagers because of the drought. During that time, many people were arguing that others were liars for asking for more food for their family and it was soon resolved that each person will have to come by themselves and receive their own portion and not ask for more.

    Does Rukmani not remember this or is she ignorant for trying to even ask for more food when she knows the men may not give it to her?

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  17. Period 3
    Chapter 24
    Vocabulary

    Grindstone- an abrasive wheel that sharpens or polishes something

    Bellows- a device or piece of equipment with a chamber that can be expanded to draw air in and compressed to force the air out

    Hazy- unclear, especially because partially obscured or obstructed by mist, cloud, or smoke

    Lurch- to move along unsteadily, swaying from side to side

    Trot- to move at a rate that is faster than walking but slower than cantering, and in which diagonal pairs of feet are off the ground alternately, or cause a four-legged animal such as a horse to move in this way

    Borne- to hold up or support

    Spokes- a bar or rod that extends from the hub of a wheel to support or brace the rim

    Rim- an outer edge, often slightly raised, that runs along the outside of something curved or circular

    Perch- any temporary resting place for a person or thing

    Unyokes- to release an animal such as a horse from a yoke

    Roused- to wake somebody, or to awaken, from sleep or unconsciousness

    Drooping- to move lower, hang down, or sag limply, or make something do this

    Cringed- to pull the head and body quickly away from somebody or something in a frightened or servile way

    Parcels- one or more things wrapped up together in paper or other packaging

    Crestfallen- disappointed or humiliated, especially after being enthusiastic or confident

    Plodded- to work slowly but steadily, especially on something uninteresting or laborious

    Jutkas- horse carts which are used for traveling at that time

    Poised- fully prepared or in position and about to do something

    Amid- surrounded by things or people

    Heed- to give serious attention to a warning or advice and take it into account when acting

    Toll- the damage done by an accident or disaster in terms

    Plantains- a large plant of the banana family that produces plantains ( Native to: tropical regions. Latin name: Musa paradisiacal)

    Beckon- to signal to somebody to approach with a movement of the hand or head

    Hobbled- to put restrictions on somebody or something to slow or prevent progress

    Precincts- a boundary marking out an area

    Pilaus- a steamed rice dish often with meat, shellfish, or vegetables

    Ghee- clarified butter, especially as used in South Asian cooking

    Garnished- to add something as an accompaniment to food or drink that enhances its flavor or appearance

    Nausea- the unsettling feeling in the stomach that accompanies the urge to vomit

    Vaulted- a strengthened room or compartment used for the safe storage of valuables, especially one in a bank

    Anointed- to rub oil or ointment on a part of somebody's body, usually the head or feet, as part of a religious ceremony

    Garlanded- a wreath of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as an ornament or as a sign of honor

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  18. Period 3
    Chapter 24
    Vocabulary (continue)

    Betel- an evergreen climbing plant with broad leaves chewed as a mild stimulant and digestive aid (Native to: Asia. Latin name: Piper betle)

    Intoning- to say something, especially in a slow and serious or solemn way

    Consort- the husband or wife of a reigning monarch

    Pervasive- spreading widely or present throughout something

    Manoeuvring(Maneuvering)- an action, especially a devious or deceptive one, done to gain advantage

    Gilded- wealthy and privileged

    Jockeying- to maneuver in order to gain an advantage

    Ferocity- very fierce or savage

    Strident- harsh, loud, grating, or shrill

    Fringe- something that serves as or resembles a border

    Craning- to stretch the neck in order to get a better view of something

    Cauldrons- a large kettle or boiler

    Wisps- something that is thin and delicate like thread

    Savoury (Savory) - salty or sharp-tasting rather than sweet

    Rebuked- to criticize or reprimand somebody, usually sharply

    Affronted- an open insult or giving of offense to somebody

    Consolingly- to provide a source of comfort to somebody who is distressed or disappointed

    Hostile- showing or feeling hatred, enmity, antagonism, or anger toward somebody

    Forlornly- lonely and miserable, as though deserted or abandoned

    Futility- lack of usefulness or effectiveness

    Vermilion- a bright red pigment made from mercuric sulfide or synthetically (a bright red color, sometimes tinged with orange)

    Irreparable- not able to be repaired or fixed

    Wryly- combining or expressing a mixture of mild amusement and irony

    Bazaar- a street market in North Africa or southwestern Asia

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  19. Kevin Doodnauth
    Period 2
    Chapter 23

    Historical Context:
    Rheumatism was a disorder which a individual had which was viewed by having pain and stiffness,which Nathan had become ill with and wasn't able to assist Rukmani with the farm work.

    Colonialism was a major turning point in that specific time period because the Colonialists forced people to give up property shares but yet when they do they have nothing left to make a living on. This happened to Rukmani and Nathan after the Colonialist's offered them money for there land there house and land were all gone and they mostly were homeless and out of work.

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  20. Vocabulary:
    Somber- lacking light or brightness and producing a dull, dark, or melancholy atmosphere

    Bidding- somebody's orders or instructions

    Clamour (clamor) - to demand something noisily or desperately
    Juggernaut- Hinduism, a form of the god Krishna. During a festival held

    Timidly- demonstrating a lack of courage or self-assurance

    Tranquil- free from or showing no signs of anxiety or agitation

    Milch- producing milk.

    Rheumatism- a painful condition where there is a stiffness in joints or muscles.

    Cleave- to make something split or make a way through something or to penetrate something.

    Reap- to cut and gather a crop.

    Provision- the act of providing or supplying something.

    Indignation- anger because something seems
    unfair or unreasonable.

    Avail- to be helpful or useful.

    Kindle- brighten or glow.

    Immensities- Extremely large; huge.

    Calamities- a disastrous situation or event.

    Extraneous- not relevant; not essential.

    Lenient- showing tolerance or mercy.

    Incredulously- skeptical; disbelieving.

    Juggernaut- a crushing force.

    Throng- a multitude of people crowded or assembled together.

    Scathed- to harm or injure, especially by fire.

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  21. Questions For Chapter 23:
    Why would Rukmani and her family be surprised in glumness that there land had been sold, but yet you wanted the money and why would you blame it on the Tannery?

    Why does Selvam thinks his parents are going to protest for there land, doesn'
    t he get they need the money to survive more?

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  22. Kevin Doodnauth
    Period 2
    Chapter 24

    Historical Context:
    Hinduism was a a main practice in India at the time and many people prayed to the Hindu gods for blessing and guidance throughout there life, but sometimes the gods revealed themselves in many peoples dreams. This experience occurred to Rukmani when she had dreamed the god and goddess were alive.

    Many people were very discrete how they had helped people because everyone was struggling throughout that time period, the old man had help point out a temple which helped the homeless which in this case Rukmani and Nathan to have somewhere to rest and have something to eat and not die of starvation

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  23. Vocabulary:
    Spokes- a bar or rod that extends from the hub of a wheel to support or brace the rim

    Trot- to move at a rate that is faster than walking but slower than cantering, and in which diagonal pairs of feet are off the ground alternately, or cause a four-legged animal such as a horse to move in this way.

    Cauldrons- a large kettle or boiler.

    Bazaar- a street market in North Africa or southwestern Asia

    Irreparable- not able to be repaired or fixed

    Craning- to stretch the neck in order to get a better view of something

    Pervasive- spreading widely or present throughout something

    Betel- an evergreen climbing plant with broad leaves chewed as a mild stimulant and digestive aid (Native to: Asia. Latin name: Piper betle)

    Consolingly- to provide a source of comfort to somebody who is distressed or disappointed

    Futility- lack of usefulness or effectiveness

    Wryly- combining or expressing a mixture of mild amusement and irony

    Hobbled- to put restrictions on somebody or something to slow or prevent progress

    Cringed- to pull the head and body quickly away from somebody or something in a frightened or servile way

    Unyokes- to release an animal such as a horse from a yoke

    Borne- to hold up or support


    Bellows- a device or piece of equipment with a chamber that can be expanded to draw air in and compressed to force the air out

    Perch- any temporary resting place for a person or thing

    Jutkas- horse carts which are used for traveling at that time

    Ghee- clarified butter, especially as used in South Asian cooking

    Vermilion- a bright red pigment made from mercuric sulfide or synthetically (a bright red color, sometimes tinged with orange)

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  24. Questions For Chapter 24:
    Why would Rukmani and Nathan leave their bundles against the wall of the temple,don't you want to take your things with you so it wont get stolen,isn't it hard to get things like what you have we you why put it somewhere out in the open to get taken?

    Why is she so stupid enough to ask for both there servings,I understand that Nathan is ill but yet he could still get up and go on line and she'll carry it for him?

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  25. Why are Rukmani and Nathan so gullible, although they don't know there new viewings why would you trust someone you just met(Selvam),come on it takes more common sense to figure that out?

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  26. Jasmin Cohetero
    Period 2
    Replying back to Kevin's question above Selvam isn't exactly a stranger because that is Rukmani's son. Since thats her son why wouldn't she trust her son. I wouldnt call it gullible because it is not like they were bribed. Selvam being their son he wanted what was best for them. Although they had to go through many obstacles the only people they really should trust is their own family.

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  27. Replying back to Kevin's other questions about chapter 24 they left their bundles against the wall because they didn't think that the people were capable of actually stealing their things. They believed that if they were left alone they would be safe there. It did not exactly cross their mind that they were going to get stolen. Their main concern was to eat they were starving. Also we can say they were caught up in the moment because they had forgoten all about it. Also in the book they come to a conclusion that they shouldn't worry about it because they can be replaced. Nathan says,"At least the loss is not irreparable,'...'We have our money still, the pots and matting can be replaced." (151) Although they have been robbed they feel that they should be positive.
    To Kevin's other question understand that since hes ill she wants to be able to look after him because he has stood by her side throughout everything that they've been through. She repeatedly says because shes grateful. Being able to get him food shows a bit of her appreciation.

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  28. Also Women in India are suppose to be loyal to their husband because they're married. The women are expected to be there for them and care for them even if they have such little. Its something that needs to be accomplished in their customs.

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  29. I have a few questions,Chapters 23 and 24
    How were Nathan and Rukmani able to have love towards Ira's baby when it was concieved due to her prostitution? I understand that she did the prostitution because she wanted to be able to get money for her parents. Her mom especially is a hypocrite because she was always saying how misfortunate she was because the poor kid was taunted by how he looked.
    When Rukmani found out that she had lost the land why didnt she go back to live with her parents?

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  30. I agree with Gloria and Kayla that colonialism is negative because showing that tannery was able to take their land it shows the amount of power they have over one person due to the fact that they're rich. Since Rukmani and her family live in poor they cannot really do anything about getting their land taken away.

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