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Now the bourkas are called Burqas They cover all the body except the eyes
During the 17th century where the book takes place the women who are of a higher tittle wear these bourkas and the women like Rukmani view them different since they have never seen such things.
Was it the British who brang the tannerys to their village?
The book mostly is in the time period before India had gone threw its colonial independance in 1947
Since India had just been going threw industrialization they did not have their tannery and people working and bring home good wages, however it doesnt really say who brang the tannerys to the village.
Why is this ?
"First Village to start working in the tannery" (50)
Is it ironic that Rukmani says nature is like an wild animal that you have to train to benifit you, but later on the rain hits them early and no one expected it to happen and they were unpprepared.?
"Nature is like a wild animal that you have traid to work for you"(43)
"That year the monsoon broke earlyand with an evil intensity such as none could remember before" (43)
Ira- Rukmani’s daughter, her first child. Ira is named for the great Irawaddy River because water is so precious.
Nathan - Rukmani’s husband, a tenant farmer.
Arjun- Rukmani and Nathan’s first son.
Thambi- Rukmani and Nathan’s second son, who also goes to the tannery.
Kali- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village.
Hanuman- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village.
Biswas- The moneylender who thrives on the misfortunes of others.
Kenny- A white doctor who ministers to the people in the village.
Chapter 8
Kunthi- The village beauty, pregnant when Rukmani first meets her. Kunthi is distant, reserved, and slightly contemptuous of Rukmani, but she is provocative with men.
Janaki- The village shopkeeper’s homely wife who befriends Rukmani.
During the 17th century in the setting of the book many women who are of a higher rank wear bourkas and many women such as Rukmani see them in a different way since they never seen anything like that before.
India in the 17th century was in very tough economic situation,many people worked everyday to bring home goods for them and their families due to the fact they didn't have tannery's.
During the ranting storm mentioned in this chapter, it was the type of thing that supposadley lasted more longer than usual
Summary After Ira had left with her husband, the son of a wealthy father, terrible rainy season rose over the village and destroyed most of the villagers’ homes and killed many people. The storm also destroyed Rukmani’s and Nathan’s farm and were unable to feed their children with what they had. They went to the village with two rupees but they were unable to buy anything, but after a few days, they were able to by some rice from Biswas who charged them extra because of the scarce amount of food. They met Kenny on the way home, he was angry and being very unlike him, for he started to act violent. Very soon it was time for the water to be drained and there the family was able to catch fishes that inhabited in the area. Nathan and the sons caught many fishes. At night, they were able to remove the rice grains they could find (only two measures). The fishes were eaten and saved for the next day and the next. Rukmani planned for what to do next with the field of theirs, she would began to think of planting new crops for money and needs of the family.
Hanuman- (in Hinduism, a leader of monkeys who assists Rama) a general merchant Biswas- a money- lender that Rukmani had sold to with higher price to instead of the Old Granny Kenny- the man who had ‘treated’ Rukmani when she was in trouble with her family, for she gave birth to a daughter only and is in need of a son
Listlessness- lacking energy, interest, or the willingness to make an effort
Weatherproof- able to withstand exposure to rain or bad weather
Mild- gentle, easy-going, and slow to get angry
Thatched- a plant material used as roofing on a house, e.g. straw or rushes
Doleful- sad and mournful
Suit- to do what you prefer
Reproachful- expressing disapproval or blame
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 Fared- to get on in a particular way in doing or experiencing something
Rupees- the main unit of currency in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka
Uprooted- to remove or destroy something completely
Sprawled- to extend over or across something in a disordered, awkward, or ugly way
Flimsy- weak and too easily broken
Heap- a large number of things lying on top of one another, or a large quantity of material, forming a roughly rounded shape
Studding- to be present or visible throughout something
Starkly- forbidding in its bareness and lack of any ornament, relieving feature, or pleasant prospect
Distended- to expand, swell, or inflate as if by pressure from within, or cause something to do this
Amid- surrounded by things or people
Calamity- a disastrous situation or event
Tattoo- a steady rhythmic beating made on a surface such as a drum
Research Colonialism- a policy in which a country rules other nations and develops trade for its own benefit
The author has used the words “Labour”, “Humour”, and “Endeavour” in this chapter, these words are not spelled incorrectly, it is written in UK English, unlike American English which is written without the extra “u”.
Question: Ollocks?? What is it? Is it a typo?? There is no definition for it and it’s closest to the word “bollocks” which is a British slang for ‘testicles’ that means: nonsense and rubbish.
How did Kunthi's personality change so fast? She was very shy, now she is arrogant and rude. "Stupid words. No wonder they call us senseless peasant women; but I am not and never will be." (50 "Kunthi only shrugged...and left us." (50)
Sammi, I think it's not that her personality "changed", from the beginning we know that Kunthi have married under her so she was probably never happy living in such a poor lifestyle so when she heard Rukmani complaining about the new changes in their village Kunthi probably snapped. Like, she was probably "surprised" someone actually thought that their village should actually stay the way it is.
Also, in response to your first question, in the book the woman made Rukmani go "indoors" so technically the woman isn't exactly exposing her beauty to everyone. Also, I think it's not as strict as to not expose her beauty to woman because most of the time in religion, where your not allowed to expose your beauty it's usually directed to not expose your beauty to men (though I'm not so sure about that one). I hope this answered your question. :)
To Kevin, I think they weren't able to save their rice paddy because the storm was too big, there wouldn't have been a way to save their rice paddy anyways because the water is flooding everything and the wind has already tore everything from the roots (unless you think there's something they could have done?)
Also, they wouldn't be able to call for help because everyone else needs to help themselves after the storm. Everyone else in the village is also starving so they probably couldn't ask for help from someone else in the village unless they could given something back to help them back.
And to your question about chapter 8, I think Rukmani doesn't particularly think that the sunlight is amazing but I think she's just questioning the way of the Muslims (it's the Muslims right?) since the woman cover their face are veiled in Bourkas** Rukmani is only going like "oh, why would they cover their faces when the sun and the breeze is so nice" and stuff. She's basically questioning why wouldn't they want to have these "ordinary pleasures"(52).
And I don't really understand your other question...
Chapter 7 vocabulary: Propitious- favorable and likely to lead to success. Monsoon- rainy season. Incessantly- Continuing without interruption. Vessel- A hollow utensil, such as a cup, vase, or pitcher, used as a container. Rivulets- a small stream or river. Sombrely- Dark; gloomy. Vivid- strikingly bright or intense in color. Placid- tending or appearing to be calm and not easily excited, upset, or disturbed. Fared- To get along (how something is coming along) Granary - a warehouse or storeroom for grain. Desolate- laying waste. Distend- To swell out or expand from or as if from internal pressure. Corrugated- folded into parallel ridges and troughs. Studding- The wood framework of a wall or partition. Pervade- to spread through or be present throughout something. Endeavour- to make a serious and sincere effort to achieve something. Impotence- without the strength or power to do anything effective or helpful. Expectant- excitedly anticipating something. Ventured - a risky or daring undertaking that has no guarantee of success. Scarcity- insufficient supply. Pallid- having an unhealthily pale complexion. Meek- showing mildness or quietness of nature. Ghastly- horrifying. Raving- wildly irrational, angry, or insulting. Thresh- to separate the seeds of a harvested plant from the straw and chaff, husks, or other residue. Winnow- : to separate grain from its husks chaff by tossing it in the air or blowing air through it. Hull- the outer covering of a seed or fruit, as the husk of grain, pod of a pea, shell of a nut. Meagre- of poor quality or small amount. Shoals- a large group of fish. Mesh- Strands of net.
Historical Context for chapter 7: Rupees- the main unit of currency in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka Tannery- a building or factory where animal skins and hides are tanned. Hanuman- Hindu Myth: 1. Hanuman is the monkey deity renowned for his courage, power and faithful, selfless service. He is the son of Anjana, an female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god. 2. The mighty ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces. Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. The birth of Hanuman released Anjana from the curse. 3. Hanuman is a Hindu deity, who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana. A general among the vanaras, an ape-like race of forest-dwellers, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine, whose fate it is to aid the hero Rama in the struggle against the demon king Ravana. (I’m really not too sure about this one…) Sari- a garment, traditionally worn by South Asian women, consisting of a long rectangle of fabric reaching the feet, wrapped and pleated around the waist over an underskirt and short-sleeved fitted top choli, and draped over the shoulder.
The effects of colonialism is both good and bad. For Rukmani it's bad because she feels that now prices for household goods have gone up and their money is worth less, meaning they can buy less things with the money they have. Also, colonialism has disturbed the peace in Rukmani's village "now it's all noise and crowds everywhere"(50). But for Kuthni colonialism is good because her sons have started working in the Tannery where they have better wages then working on a farm.
Some effects of the precolonial life that are present are people make less money since most of the people in Rukmani's village grow crops and sell them, which makes less money then working in the tannery. Also, everything has to be done be hand, no machinery.
The plot in chapter 7 is that there's a big storm and it has destroyed all the crops and ruined piratically all the huts in the village. After the storm everyone in the village is depressed about not having enough food to feed themselves and their families and they're worrying about rebuilding their thatches, since most of them have blown off or were destroyed by the rain and the wind. Rukmani in particular tried to by rice from the Hanuman who is a merchant who sells rice, but he rejects her offer and tells her that he only have enough rice to feed his own family, but Rukmnai continued to plead him and seeing her desperation the Hanuman tells her that the Biswas might be selling rice. And so, Rukmani goes to see the Biswas and offered 2 ruppees for some rice, but the Biswas made her pay 2 ollocks for a small amount of rice instead. Rukmani goes home with the small sack of rice and bumps in Kenny who insults her village and it's people, ignoring this Rukmani walks away. When she enters her house Nathan announces that there's tons of fish in fields and just like that hope of surviving through the next few weeks increased. Rukmani and her family continues to work to regrow their crops, and continues to eat dried, slated fish and small amount of rice each day.
The plot in chapter 8 starts off with Kunthi telling Rukmani how her two sons have gone to work in the Tannery and they get higher wages, in order to prove to Rukmani that the change in the village is good. But instead Rukmani continues to disagree with her, Kunthi frustrated with Rukmani's words, calls her a senseless peasant woman and walks away. Later on Janaki and Rukmani get to talking about Kunthi and how she goes to town for no reason just to show off her beauty, and Janaki calls Kunthi a trollop. The story then goes on to how the tannery have increased and Muslims have started living in their village. The Muslim men work hard, but the Muslim woman don't do any work, and Rukmani comments how she feels sorry for the woman because they have to hide their faces and they aren't able to have ordinary pleasures ( like feel the warmth of the sun and such). And one day when Rukmani was taking some of her vegetables to the market a Muslim woman made her go into this "indoor" place and took off her veil to pick the vegetables she wanted. For the first time Rukmani saw the face of the woman and noticed how beautiful their sun deprived face looks like, after the woman finished buying the vegetables from Rukmani, RUkmani left and the woman shut the door and the windows.
Chapter 7 Jasmin Cohetero Period 2 I have a few questions: Why does Kenny insult Rukmnai when she goes out into the village to get some food for her family? Why doesn't she defend herself? Why doesn't Rukmonai and her family just go to another village where there might be better land?
Wait! But aren't storms good for land that is used to grow foods? I mean doesn't it make the land for fertile? Thats what I didn't understand very well.
Chapter 8 Continuing on to what Gloria said. Kali said she'd rather be like a Muslim lady that covers their face to not show their beauty because they have a easy life. They dont have to worry about a meal not being on their plate all the time and they always have plenty on their hands. It seems as if they have become very selfish and mean. They only care about themselves. why didnt they welcome them into the village?
Storms are very bad for the land depending on how severe it is. If it's a light rainfall, then obviously it can help the soil. However, the heavy rainfall that occurred in the book drowned the plants and destroyed it. I hope this helped because I'm bad at explaining.
Ira- Ira is Rukmani’s daughter. She is more beautiful then both of her parents.
Nathan- Nathan is a young husband and is married to Rukamani.
Thambi- Rukmani and Nathan’s second son. He is known as a trouble maker.
Rukami- A Young wife married to Nathan.
Kali- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village. She also introduces Rukami to many neighborhood women.
Kenny - Kenny is a A white doctor who ministers to the people in the village. Kenny and Rukami become good friends when Rukmani overcomesher infertility, she is forever grateful.
Kunthi- Kunthi is so beautiful, she is the most beautiful in the village. She also happens to be pregnant when Rukami meets her.
Janaki- The village shopkeeper’s homely wife who befriends Rukmani.
I listed characters so that you guys know who is who because we are going to come across a bunch of characters throughout the entire book, so its good to identify Rukami's family and people in the village.
Historical Context 1).Ancient Romans considered June the most propitious season for getting married. Hymen, the god of marriage, considered June the most propitious season of the year for entering upon matrimonial relations. The Romans held weddings in June because they believed it would bring more happiness than any other part of the month. In chapter 7, Ira was given to wed in the month of June. 2). Islam is a doctrine that Muslims believe in. Islam is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Qur’an, a text considered to be the words of God. Muslims believe God is incomparable and the purpose of existence is to worship God. Religious practices include the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are obligatory acts of worship.
Kunthi makes unnecessary journeys to towns for people to admire her good looks and provocative body. In chapter 8, it mentions that Kunthi has a husband. Why doesn't Kunthi's husband do something about Kunthi's unnecessary actions?
Chapter 7- Nectar In the Sieve Vocabulary: Vigilant-Keeping danger watch for possible dangers or difficulties Warily-In a wary manner Propitious-Presenting favorable conditions Listlessness-Having or showing little or none interest in anything Incessantly-Continuing without interruption Pitilessly-Feeling or showing no pity Thatched-A covering of a such material Vessels-A craft of traveling on water Rivulets-A small stream Tender-Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy Doleful-Expressing sorrow; mournful Wick- A strip of porous material up witch liquid fuel is drawn by capillary action to the flame in a candle, lamp, or lighter Saucer-A shallow dish Abate-Cause to become smaller or less intense Paddy-A field where rice is grown Placid-Calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity Fared- Perform in a specified way in a particular situation or over a particular period of time Deflated-Let air or gas out of (a tire, balloon, or similar object) Granary-A storehouse or repository for grain Desolation-Devastation; ruin Uprooted-to pull out or as if by the roots Indiscriminately-Not discriminating; lacking in care Tannery-A place where tanning is carried on Demolished-Ruined; broken down Embedded- To fix in a surrounding mass Distended -Increase in size, volume, etc. Starkly-Sheer, utter, downright, or complete Amid-In the middle of Haltingly-Faltering or hesitating Unspent-Not spent or used Gruel-A light, usually thin, cooked cereal made by boiling meal Calamity-A great misfortune or disaster Impotence- Weakness Endeavour-To exert oneself to do or effect something Pervading-To become spread throughout all parts Expectant-Having expectations Loomed-The art pr the process of weaving Subsided-To sink to a low or lower level Rupees-A cupronickel coin and monetary unit of India, Nepal, Pakistan, equal to 100 paise Sari- A garment worn by Hindu women Pallid-Pale; faint or deficient in color Meek-Humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others Ghastly-Shockingly frightful or dreadful Raving-Talking wildly Prickly-Full of or armed with prickles Anticipation-Expectation or hope Dams-Any barrier resembling a dam Eroded-To eat into or away Meshes-Any knit, woven, or knotted fabric of open texture Shoals-A place where a sea river or other body of water is shallow Triumph-Glory Winnow- To blow upon Hulling-Material for framework and shell of the hull of a ship
Historical Concepts: Chapter 7: 1)In chapter 7, Rukmainis and Nathan undergo a rain storm which was the monsoon rain. The monsoon rain is the rainy phase of a seasonally-changing pattern. When seasons change some places in the world go through a storm so it could go through. 2)Chapter 7 also talks about Ira getting married in June which is considered a propitious season. Getting married in a propitious season brings good luck according to the ancient Romans.
Chapter 7: Plot: Rukmanis and her husband Nathan undergo a very powerful rain storm in their village. At first it seemed interesting to them but as the night went on it grew more and more powerful. By morning alot of things were ruined. The place they grow food, many houses and people killed by the lightning. It was already hard for them to live this just made it more harder.
Pre-Colonial Life: 1)Rukmainis and Nathan live in a mud house which is damaged because of the rain storm that was really powerful. 2)Rukmanis had to grow food on land and that was also ruined because of the very powerful rainstorm. Most of the Pre-Colonial life was expressed negatively.
Chapter 8: Vocabulary: Hooligans-A ruffian or hoodlum Idling-not working or active Bazaars-A marketplace or shopping quarter Uncouth-Awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly Breeding-The producing of offspring Wrathfully-Very angry Provocative-Tending or serving to provoke Trollop-An immortal or promiscuous woman, especially a prostitute Sprawling-To be stretched or spread out in an unnatural or ungraceful manner Flourished-To be in a vigorous state Muslims-Of or pertaining to the religion, law, or civilization of Islam Queer-Strange or odd from a conventional viewpoint Veiled-Covered or concealed by, or as if by, a veil. Bourkas-A loose garment covering the entire body and having a veiled opening for the eyes, worn by Muslim women. Voluminous-Forming, filling, or writing a large volume Draperies-Coverings, hangings, clothing Swishing-To move with or make a sibilant sound Shutter-A person or thing that shuts Deprived-Lacking the necessities of life Compensations-The act or state of compensating Endure-To hold against Filtering-Any device, as a tank or tube, containing such a substance for filtering. Beckoning-To signal, summon, or direct by a gesture of he head or hand. Slender-Thin or slight; light or graceful Laden-Burdened Unfettered-To free from restraint
Chapter 8: Glossary of all Characters: Kunthi-Known for her beauty,has two sons and they work in the tannery Janaki- One of the village shopkeeper wife Kali- A wife of the neighborhood farmer
Chapter 8: Historical Concepts: 1)In chapter 8 it talks about Muslim people.How she saw a Muslim women all covered by a veil.Muslim people's faith is Islam.It is a monotheistic ( belief of one god) religion, they believe in one god and the last prophet Muhammad.Go by the holy book Quaran and follow the five pillars of Islam. It has major laws and one law talked about in this chapter is the Muslim women covering herself by a veil. It is stated that a women should cover herself from everyone except her husband and/or family.
Chapter 8: Plot: Kunthi and her two sons start working in the tannery. She tell them how these people in the village are bad.Denies she is one of them. She doesn't except the fact she did some bad things in her life when it came to her having nothing. She told the story of what happened to her and how it all started. Colonialism: It talks about how their were markers which provided food and other unnecessary items to live easily.It expresses diversity not only talks about on specific groups, starts to talk about other ethnic and religious group of people. More positively expressed because it talks more how the new stores and easy access to food helps.
Vigilant- keenly watchful to detect danger
ReplyDeleteWarily- watchful; being on one's guard against danger
Heedless- careless, thoughtless, unmindful
Propitious- presenting favorable conditions
Monsoon- the seasonal wing of the Indian Ocean and southern Asia, blowing from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter
Incessant- continuing without interruption; ceaseless; unending
Rivulet- a small stream
Paddy- a rice field
Somber- dim, gloomy, or shadowy
Abate- to reduce in amount, defree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish
Batter- to damage by beating or hard usage
Placid- pleasantly calm or peaceful; unruffled; tranquil; serenely quit or undisturbed
Deflated- to depress or reduce (a person or a person's ego, hopes, spirits, etc.)
Granary- a storehouse or repository for grain
Ghastly- terrible; very bad
ReplyDeleteTannery- to convert (a hide) into leather, especially by soaking or steeping in a bath prepared from tanbark or synthetically
Corrugated- to draw or bend into folds or alternate furrows and ridges
Gruel- a light, usually thin, cooked cereal made by boiling meal, especially oatmeal, in water or milk
Impotence- the condition or quality of being impotent; weakness
Sherenie Yeung Period 2 Chapter 7
Jayali Cano
ReplyDeletePeriod 3 Chapter 8
Boon- something to be thankful for; blessing; benefit.
Hooligans- a ruffian or hoodlum.
Idling- not working or active; unemployed; doing nothing
Bazaars-a marketplace or shopping quarter
Uncouth- awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly
Schemes-an underhand plot
Breeding-the result of upbringing or training as shown in behavior and manners
Provocative- tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating,irritating, or vexing
Trollop-an immoral or promiscuous woman, especially a prostitute
Farewell- leave-taking; departure
Sprawling- to spread out, extend, or be distributed
Flourished-to be successful; prosper
Muslims- of or pertaining to the religion, law, or civilization of Islam
Queer-strange or odd from a conventional viewpoint; unusually different
Voluminous-of ample size, extent, or fullness
Draperies-coverings, hangings, clothing, etc., of fabric, especially as arranged in loose, graceful folds
Bourkas- a loose garment covering the entire body and having a veiled opening for the eyes, worn by Muslim women
Compensations- recompense, payment, amends, reparation; requital,satisfaction, indemnification
Endure-to bear without resistance or with patience; tolerate
Beckoning-to signal, summon, or direct by a gesture of the head or hand.
Laden-to fill or cover abundantly
Unfettered-to free from restraint; liberate
Jayali Cano
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
1) Why is Rukmani so against the tannery?
2) Beauty is brought up a lot in this book. Why is it important? who does it benefit?
"...with her good looks and provocative body she could be sure of
admiration..."(46)
Also beauty is viewed differently because when Rukmani sees the
Muslim women she says nothing about beauty, Yet I find her
description to be very beautiful.
"...Very pale,the bones small and fine. Her eyes were pale too, a
curious light brown matching her silky hair." (48)
Stephanie Brito
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
In chapter 8 you see that Rukmani doesnt value the materialistic things as Kali does.
Kali would rather have servants and have a good life like the women who wore bourka's
Rukmani would rather feel the sunlight and cool breeze on her face than be covered up completely like the women.
"For a year perhaps," I said, "not forever. Who could endure such a filtering of sunlight and fresh air as they do?" (52)
Historical Context On Bourka's
ReplyDeleteNow the bourkas are called Burqas
They cover all the body except the eyes
During the 17th century where the book takes place the women who are of a higher tittle wear these bourkas and the women like Rukmani view them different since they have never seen such things.
Questions;
ReplyDeleteWas it the British who brang the tannerys to their village?
The book mostly is in the time period before India had gone threw its colonial independance in 1947
Since India had just been going threw industrialization they did not have their tannery and people working and bring home good wages, however it doesnt really say who brang the tannerys to the village.
Why is this ?
"First Village to start working in the tannery" (50)
Question;
ReplyDeleteIs it ironic that Rukmani says nature is like an wild animal that you have to train to benifit you, but later on the rain hits them early and no one expected it to happen and they were unpprepared.?
"Nature is like a wild animal that you have traid to work for you"(43)
"That year the monsoon broke earlyand with an evil intensity such as none could remember before" (43)
Kayla Chang
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Characters in Chapter 7
Rukmani- narrator, protagonist
Ira- Rukmani’s daughter, her first child. Ira is named for the great Irawaddy River because water is so precious.
Nathan - Rukmani’s husband, a tenant farmer.
Arjun- Rukmani and Nathan’s first son.
Thambi- Rukmani and Nathan’s second son, who also goes to the tannery.
Kali- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village.
Hanuman- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village.
Biswas- The moneylender who thrives on the misfortunes of others.
Kenny- A white doctor who ministers to the people in the village.
Chapter 8
Kunthi- The village beauty, pregnant when Rukmani first meets her. Kunthi is distant, reserved, and slightly contemptuous of Rukmani, but she is provocative with men.
Janaki- The village shopkeeper’s homely wife who befriends Rukmani.
Kevin Doodnauth
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Chapter 7
Vocabulary:
Monsoon:Any wind that changes directions with the seasons.
Listlessness:Having or showing little or no interest in anything.
Paddy:a field planted with rice,a growing crop or when harvested but not yet milled
Deflated:to depress or reduce (a person or a person's ego, hopes, spirits, etc.)
Incessant:continuing without interruption
Gruel: A thin cooked cereal made by boiling meal, especially oatmeal, in water or milk.
Tannery:To convert (a hide) into leather, especially by soaking or steeping in a bath prepared from tanbark or synthetically
Fibres: Fiber
Desolation:Devastation; ruin
Granary:A storehouse or repository for grain, especially after it has been threshed or husked
Vigilant:Careless
Impotence:Lack of self-restraint, weakness
Abate:To reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.
Corrugated:To draw or bend into folds or alternate furrows and ridges,to make irrigation ditches in (a field).
Hanuman:Also called entellus, held sacred in India
Questions for Chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteWhy cant Ruku and Nathan try to save they're rice paddy while they had a chance?
Why do they not call out for help if it is needed?
Historical Context for Chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteDuring the 17th century in the setting of the book many women who are of a higher rank wear bourkas and many women such as Rukmani see them in a different way since they never seen anything like that before.
India in the 17th century was in very tough economic situation,many people worked everyday to bring home goods for them and their families due to the fact they didn't have tannery's.
During the ranting storm mentioned in this chapter, it was the type of thing that supposadley lasted more longer than usual
Kevin Doodnauth
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Chapter 8:
Vocabulary:
Bazaars:A marketplace or shopping quarter, especially one in the Middle East.
Kunthi:The village beauty, pregnant when Rukmani first meets her.
Veiled:Not openly or directly expressed; masked; disguised; hidden; obscure.
Admiration:A feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval.
Provocative: Inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.
Compensation:Something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, suffering, lack, etc.
Draperies: Long curtains, usually of heavy fabric and often designed to open and close across a window.
Voluminous:Of great volume, size, or extent
Questions for Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteHow does the sunlight and the sky seem so amazing all of a sudden?
How do looks persuade you but yet you still seem lonely in the end, you didn't do anything to get with her?
Historical Context for Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteMany people had servants ans maids while some people who were very poor just like Kali
Bourka's were full body head suits that only did not cover the eyes of women to show they and respect for themselves and for the people of society
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7
ReplyDeleteSummary
After Ira had left with her husband, the son of a wealthy father, terrible rainy season rose over the village and destroyed most of the villagers’ homes and killed many people. The storm also destroyed Rukmani’s and Nathan’s farm and were unable to feed their children with what they had. They went to the village with two rupees but they were unable to buy anything, but after a few days, they were able to by some rice from Biswas who charged them extra because of the scarce amount of food. They met Kenny on the way home, he was angry and being very unlike him, for he started to act violent. Very soon it was time for the water to be drained and there the family was able to catch fishes that inhabited in the area. Nathan and the sons caught many fishes. At night, they were able to remove the rice grains they could find (only two measures). The fishes were eaten and saved for the next day and the next. Rukmani planned for what to do next with the field of theirs, she would began to think of planting new crops for money and needs of the family.
Chapter7
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
Characters
Hanuman- (in Hinduism, a leader of monkeys who assists Rama) a general merchant
Biswas- a money- lender that Rukmani had sold to with higher price to instead of the Old Granny
Kenny- the man who had ‘treated’ Rukmani when she was in trouble with her family, for she gave birth to a daughter only and is in need of a son
Chapter 7
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
Vocabulary
Listlessness- lacking energy, interest, or the willingness to make an effort
Weatherproof- able to withstand exposure to rain or bad weather
Mild- gentle, easy-going, and slow to get angry
Thatched- a plant material used as roofing on a house, e.g. straw or rushes
Doleful- sad and mournful
Suit- to do what you prefer
Reproachful- expressing disapproval or blame
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
Fared- to get on in a particular way in doing or experiencing something
Rupees- the main unit of currency in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka
Uprooted- to remove or destroy something completely
Sprawled- to extend over or across something in a disordered, awkward, or ugly way
Flimsy- weak and too easily broken
Heap- a large number of things lying on top of one another, or a large quantity of material, forming a roughly rounded shape
Studding- to be present or visible throughout something
Starkly- forbidding in its bareness and lack of any ornament, relieving feature, or pleasant prospect
Distended- to expand, swell, or inflate as if by pressure from within, or cause something to do this
Amid- surrounded by things or people
Calamity- a disastrous situation or event
Tattoo- a steady rhythmic beating made on a surface such as a drum
Research
ReplyDeleteColonialism- a policy in which a country rules other nations and develops trade for its own benefit
The author has used the words “Labour”, “Humour”, and “Endeavour” in this chapter, these words are not spelled incorrectly, it is written in UK English, unlike American English which is written without the extra “u”.
Question:
Ollocks??
What is it? Is it a typo?? There is no definition for it and it’s closest to the word “bollocks” which is a British slang for ‘testicles’ that means: nonsense and rubbish.
Chapter 8
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
Vocabulary
Peasant- an offensive term for somebody considered to be ill-mannered or uneducated
Wrathfully- strong anger, often with a desire for revenge
Tanners- somebody who tans animal skins
Flourished- to be strong and healthy or grow well, especially because conditions are right
Officials- a holder of office in an organization, corporation, or government department
Whitewashed- lime suspended in water, often with glue or sizing, and used like paint for whitening walls
Chapter 8
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
Question:
If the woman wears a Burka to dress modestly and not to expose their beauty, as tradition why would the woman that Rukmani sold to remove her Burka?
“…the woman threw off her veil the better to select what she wanted.” (52)
Chapter 8
ReplyDeleteAnother Question:
How did Kunthi's personality change so fast?
She was very shy, now she is arrogant and rude.
"Stupid words. No wonder they call us senseless peasant women; but I am not and never will be." (50
"Kunthi only shrugged...and left us." (50)
Sammi, I think it's not that her personality "changed", from the beginning we know that Kunthi have married under her so she was probably never happy living in such a poor lifestyle so when she heard Rukmani complaining about the new changes in their village Kunthi probably snapped. Like, she was probably "surprised" someone actually thought that their village should actually stay the way it is.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in response to your first question, in the book the woman made Rukmani go "indoors" so technically the woman isn't exactly exposing her beauty to everyone. Also, I think it's not as strict as to not expose her beauty to woman because most of the time in religion, where your not allowed to expose your beauty it's usually directed to not expose your beauty to men (though I'm not so sure about that one).
ReplyDeleteI hope this answered your question. :)
To Jayali, I think Rukmani is so against the tannery because she doesn't want her village to change, just simply because she likes it the way it is.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Kevin, I think they weren't able to save their rice paddy because the storm was too big, there wouldn't have been a way to save their rice paddy anyways because the water is flooding everything and the wind has already tore everything from the roots (unless you think there's something they could have done?)
ReplyDeleteAlso, they wouldn't be able to call for help because everyone else needs to help themselves after the storm. Everyone else in the village is also starving so they probably couldn't ask for help from someone else in the village unless they could given something back to help them back.
And to your question about chapter 8, I think Rukmani doesn't particularly think that the sunlight is amazing but I think she's just questioning the way of the Muslims (it's the Muslims right?) since the woman cover their face are veiled in Bourkas** Rukmani is only going like "oh, why would they cover their faces when the sun and the breeze is so nice" and stuff. She's basically questioning why wouldn't they want to have these "ordinary pleasures"(52).
And I don't really understand your other question...
Chapter 7 vocabulary:
ReplyDeletePropitious- favorable and likely to lead to success.
Monsoon- rainy season.
Incessantly- Continuing without interruption.
Vessel- A hollow utensil, such as a cup, vase, or pitcher, used as a container.
Rivulets- a small stream or river.
Sombrely- Dark; gloomy.
Vivid- strikingly bright or intense in color.
Placid- tending or appearing to be calm and not easily excited, upset, or disturbed.
Fared- To get along (how something is coming along)
Granary - a warehouse or storeroom for grain.
Desolate- laying waste.
Distend- To swell out or expand from or as if from internal pressure.
Corrugated- folded into parallel ridges and troughs.
Studding- The wood framework of a wall or partition.
Pervade- to spread through or be present throughout something.
Endeavour- to make a serious and sincere effort to achieve something.
Impotence- without the strength or power to do anything effective or helpful.
Expectant- excitedly anticipating something.
Ventured - a risky or daring undertaking that has no guarantee of success.
Scarcity- insufficient supply.
Pallid- having an unhealthily pale complexion.
Meek- showing mildness or quietness of nature.
Ghastly- horrifying.
Raving- wildly irrational, angry, or insulting.
Thresh- to separate the seeds of a harvested plant from the straw and chaff, husks, or other residue.
Winnow- : to separate grain from its husks chaff by tossing it in the air or blowing air through it.
Hull- the outer covering of a seed or fruit, as the husk of grain, pod of a pea, shell of a nut.
Meagre- of poor quality or small amount.
Shoals- a large group of fish.
Mesh- Strands of net.
Historical Context for chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteRupees- the main unit of currency in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka
Tannery- a building or factory where animal skins and hides are tanned.
Hanuman- Hindu Myth:
1. Hanuman is the monkey deity renowned for his courage, power and faithful, selfless service. He is the son of Anjana, an female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god.
2. The mighty ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces. Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. The birth of Hanuman released Anjana from the curse.
3. Hanuman is a Hindu deity, who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana. A general among the vanaras, an ape-like race of forest-dwellers, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine, whose fate it is to aid the hero Rama in the struggle against the demon king Ravana.
(I’m really not too sure about this one…)
Sari- a garment, traditionally worn by South Asian women, consisting of a long rectangle of fabric reaching the feet, wrapped and pleated around the waist over an underskirt and short-sleeved fitted top choli, and draped over the shoulder.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVocabulary for Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteUncouth- ill-mannered.
Provocative- making people angry or excited.
Trollop- an offensive term that deliberately insults a woman who is a prostitute or who is reputed to be sexually promiscuous.
Unfettered- not restricted.
Draperies- cloth or clothing that has been arranged to hang in elegant or decorative folds.
Bourka- a loose garment covering the entire body and having a veiled opening for the eyes, worn by Muslim women.
Voluminous- having great size, capacity, or fullness.
Beckoning- gesture to somebody to come.
Laden- carrying a load, usually a heavy load.
The effects of colonialism is both good and bad. For Rukmani it's bad because she feels that now prices for household goods have gone up and their money is worth less, meaning they can buy less things with the money they have. Also, colonialism has disturbed the peace in Rukmani's village "now it's all noise and crowds everywhere"(50).
ReplyDeleteBut for Kuthni colonialism is good because her sons have started working in the Tannery where they have better wages then working on a farm.
Some effects of the precolonial life that are present are people make less money since most of the people in Rukmani's village grow crops and sell them, which makes less money then working in the tannery. Also, everything has to be done be hand, no machinery.
ReplyDeleteThe plot in chapter 7 is that there's a big storm and it has destroyed all the crops and ruined piratically all the huts in the village. After the storm everyone in the village is depressed about not having enough food to feed themselves and their families and they're worrying about rebuilding their thatches, since most of them have blown off or were destroyed by the rain and the wind. Rukmani in particular tried to by rice from the Hanuman who is a merchant who sells rice, but he rejects her offer and tells her that he only have enough rice to feed his own family, but Rukmnai continued to plead him and seeing her desperation the Hanuman tells her that the Biswas might be selling rice. And so, Rukmani goes to see the Biswas and offered 2 ruppees for some rice, but the Biswas made her pay 2 ollocks for a small amount of rice instead. Rukmani goes home with the small sack of rice and bumps in Kenny who insults her village and it's people, ignoring this Rukmani walks away. When she enters her house Nathan announces that there's tons of fish in fields and just like that hope of surviving through the next few weeks increased. Rukmani and her family continues to work to regrow their crops, and continues to eat dried, slated fish and small amount of rice each day.
ReplyDeleteThe plot in chapter 8 starts off with Kunthi telling Rukmani how her two sons have gone to work in the Tannery and they get higher wages, in order to prove to Rukmani that the change in the village is good. But instead Rukmani continues to disagree with her, Kunthi frustrated with Rukmani's words, calls her a senseless peasant woman and walks away. Later on Janaki and Rukmani get to talking about Kunthi and how she goes to town for no reason just to show off her beauty, and Janaki calls Kunthi a trollop. The story then goes on to how the tannery have increased and Muslims have started living in their village. The Muslim men work hard, but the Muslim woman don't do any work, and Rukmani comments how she feels sorry for the woman because they have to hide their faces and they aren't able to have ordinary pleasures ( like feel the warmth of the sun and such). And one day when Rukmani was taking some of her vegetables to the market a Muslim woman made her go into this "indoor" place and took off her veil to pick the vegetables she wanted. For the first time Rukmani saw the face of the woman and noticed how beautiful their sun deprived face looks like, after the woman finished buying the vegetables from Rukmani, RUkmani left and the woman shut the door and the windows.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7
ReplyDeleteJasmin Cohetero Period 2
I have a few questions:
Why does Kenny insult Rukmnai when she goes out into the village to get some food for her family? Why doesn't she defend herself?
Why doesn't Rukmonai and her family just go to another village where there might be better land?
Wait! But aren't storms good for land that is used to grow foods? I mean doesn't it make the land for fertile? Thats what I didn't understand very well.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8
ReplyDeleteContinuing on to what Gloria said. Kali said she'd rather be like a Muslim lady that covers their face to not show their beauty because they have a easy life. They dont have to worry about a meal not being on their plate all the time and they always have plenty on their hands.
It seems as if they have become very selfish and mean. They only care about themselves.
why didnt they welcome them into the village?
@Jasmin
ReplyDeleteStorms are very bad for the land depending on how severe it is. If it's a light rainfall, then obviously it can help the soil. However, the heavy rainfall that occurred in the book drowned the plants and destroyed it. I hope this helped because I'm bad at explaining.
Aislee Nieves
ReplyDeletePeriod 3.
Characters within Chapter 7-
Ira- Ira is Rukmani’s daughter. She is more beautiful then both of her parents.
Nathan- Nathan is a young husband and is married to Rukamani.
Thambi- Rukmani and Nathan’s second son. He is known as a trouble maker.
Rukami- A Young wife married to Nathan.
Kali- The wife of a neighboring farmer in the village. She also introduces Rukami to many neighborhood women.
Kenny - Kenny is a A white doctor who ministers to the people in the village. Kenny and Rukami become good friends when Rukmani overcomesher infertility, she is forever grateful.
Aislee Nieves
ReplyDeletePeriod 3.
Characters within Chapter 8-
Kunthi- Kunthi is so beautiful, she is the most beautiful in the village. She also happens to be pregnant when Rukami meets her.
Janaki- The village shopkeeper’s homely wife who befriends Rukmani.
I listed characters so that you guys know who is who because we are going to come across a bunch of characters throughout the entire book, so its good to identify Rukami's family and people in the village.
Nectar In A Sieve was written in England in the early 1950's.
ReplyDeleteYou should also know that it was published in 1954.
Period 3
ReplyDeleteHistorical Context
1).Ancient Romans considered June the most propitious season for getting married. Hymen, the god of marriage, considered June the most propitious season of the year for entering upon matrimonial relations. The Romans held weddings in June because they believed it would bring more happiness than any other part of the month. In chapter 7, Ira was given to wed in the month of June.
2). Islam is a doctrine that Muslims believe in. Islam is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Qur’an, a text considered to be the words of God. Muslims believe God is incomparable and the purpose of existence is to worship God. Religious practices include the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are obligatory acts of worship.
Kunthi makes unnecessary journeys to towns for people to admire her good looks and provocative body. In chapter 8, it mentions that Kunthi has a husband. Why doesn't Kunthi's husband do something about Kunthi's unnecessary actions?
ReplyDeleteChapter 7- Nectar In the Sieve
ReplyDeleteVocabulary:
Vigilant-Keeping danger watch for possible dangers or difficulties
Warily-In a wary manner
Propitious-Presenting favorable conditions
Listlessness-Having or showing little or none interest in anything
Incessantly-Continuing without interruption
Pitilessly-Feeling or showing no pity
Thatched-A covering of a such material
Vessels-A craft of traveling on water
Rivulets-A small stream
Tender-Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy
Doleful-Expressing sorrow; mournful
Wick- A strip of porous material up witch liquid fuel is drawn by capillary action to the flame in a candle, lamp, or lighter
Saucer-A shallow dish
Abate-Cause to become smaller or less intense
Paddy-A field where rice is grown
Placid-Calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity
Fared- Perform in a specified way in a particular situation or over a particular period of time
Deflated-Let air or gas out of (a tire, balloon, or similar object)
Granary-A storehouse or repository for grain
Desolation-Devastation; ruin
Uprooted-to pull out or as if by the roots
Indiscriminately-Not discriminating; lacking in care
Tannery-A place where tanning is carried on
Demolished-Ruined; broken down
Embedded- To fix in a surrounding mass
Distended -Increase in size, volume, etc.
Starkly-Sheer, utter, downright, or complete
Amid-In the middle of
Haltingly-Faltering or hesitating
Unspent-Not spent or used
Gruel-A light, usually thin, cooked cereal made by boiling meal
Calamity-A great misfortune or disaster
Impotence- Weakness
Endeavour-To exert oneself to do or effect something
Pervading-To become spread throughout all parts
Expectant-Having expectations
Loomed-The art pr the process of weaving
Subsided-To sink to a low or lower level
Rupees-A cupronickel coin and monetary unit of India, Nepal, Pakistan, equal to 100 paise
Sari- A garment worn by Hindu women
Pallid-Pale; faint or deficient in color
Meek-Humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others
Ghastly-Shockingly frightful or dreadful
Raving-Talking wildly
Prickly-Full of or armed with prickles
Anticipation-Expectation or hope
Dams-Any barrier resembling a dam
Eroded-To eat into or away
Meshes-Any knit, woven, or knotted fabric of open texture
Shoals-A place where a sea river or other body of water is shallow
Triumph-Glory
Winnow- To blow upon
Hulling-Material for framework and shell of the hull of a ship
Chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteGlossary Of Characters-
Ira-Rukmanis daughter.She had a sweet, obedient, uncomplaining nature.
Nathan-Is the husband of Rukmani, and was married at a very young age.
Arjun-Rukmanis and Nathans first son.
Thambi-Rukmanis and Nathans second son, both arjun and thambi cause trouble.
Kali-A wife to a neighborhood farmer.Helps rukmanis live her life and gives advice to her.
Biswas- He is a moneylender, his goal is to create misfortunes for others.
Historical Concepts:
ReplyDeleteChapter 7:
1)In chapter 7, Rukmainis and Nathan undergo a rain storm which was the monsoon rain. The monsoon rain is the rainy phase of a seasonally-changing pattern. When seasons change some places in the world go through a storm so it could go through.
2)Chapter 7 also talks about Ira getting married in June which is considered a propitious season. Getting married in a propitious season brings good luck according to the ancient Romans.
Chapter 7:
ReplyDeletePlot:
Rukmanis and her husband Nathan undergo a very powerful rain storm in their village. At first it seemed interesting to them but as the night went on it grew more and more powerful. By morning alot of things were ruined. The place they grow food, many houses and people killed by the lightning. It was already hard for them to live this just made it more harder.
Pre-Colonial Life:
1)Rukmainis and Nathan live in a mud house which is damaged because of the rain storm that was really powerful.
2)Rukmanis had to grow food on land and that was also ruined because of the very powerful rainstorm.
Most of the Pre-Colonial life was expressed negatively.
Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteVocabulary:
Hooligans-A ruffian or hoodlum
Idling-not working or active
Bazaars-A marketplace or shopping quarter
Uncouth-Awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly
Breeding-The producing of offspring
Wrathfully-Very angry
Provocative-Tending or serving to provoke
Trollop-An immortal or promiscuous woman, especially a prostitute
Sprawling-To be stretched or spread out in an unnatural or ungraceful manner
Flourished-To be in a vigorous state
Muslims-Of or pertaining to the religion, law, or civilization of Islam
Queer-Strange or odd from a conventional viewpoint
Veiled-Covered or concealed by, or as if by, a veil.
Bourkas-A loose garment covering the entire body and having a veiled opening for the eyes, worn by Muslim women.
Voluminous-Forming, filling, or writing a large volume
Draperies-Coverings, hangings, clothing
Swishing-To move with or make a sibilant sound
Shutter-A person or thing that shuts
Deprived-Lacking the necessities of life
Compensations-The act or state of compensating
Endure-To hold against
Filtering-Any device, as a tank or tube, containing such a substance for filtering.
Beckoning-To signal, summon, or direct by a gesture of he head or hand.
Slender-Thin or slight; light or graceful
Laden-Burdened
Unfettered-To free from restraint
Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteGlossary of all Characters:
Kunthi-Known for her beauty,has two sons and they work in the tannery
Janaki- One of the village shopkeeper wife
Kali- A wife of the neighborhood farmer
Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteHistorical Concepts:
1)In chapter 8 it talks about Muslim people.How she saw a Muslim women all covered by a veil.Muslim people's faith is Islam.It is a monotheistic ( belief of one god) religion, they believe in one god and the last prophet Muhammad.Go by the holy book Quaran and follow the five pillars of Islam. It has major laws and one law talked about in this chapter is the Muslim women covering herself by a veil. It is stated that a women should cover herself from everyone except her husband and/or family.
Chapter 8:
ReplyDeletePlot:
Kunthi and her two sons start working in the tannery. She tell them how these people in the village are bad.Denies she is one of them. She doesn't except the fact she did some bad things in her life when it came to her having nothing. She told the story of what happened to her and how it all started.
Colonialism:
It talks about how their were markers which provided food and other unnecessary items to live easily.It expresses diversity not only talks about on specific groups, starts to talk about other ethnic and religious group of people.
More positively expressed because it talks more how the new stores and easy access to food helps.