1.) Nature vs. Nurture: Is being good or evil determined from one's environment and how they grew up, or is it possible for one to be born good/evil naturally?
2.) When one uses violence to fight violence, does it make them as monstrous as the opposing side? (for example, the rampant riots between Hindu and Muslims, and the continous battle for retaliation amongst themselves)
3.) Gandhi once said "The only devils are the ones running in our own hearts...that's where we should be fighting." Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not? Had the Hindus and Muslims followed this piece of advice, would all the slaughter be prevented?
4.) One of the main themes we see throughout the book is the art of deception. Some characters decieve others in order to survive, in hopes of living through a hell on earth. While the majority of others use it for selfish, greedy, and immoral reasons. Can deception be justified? OR does it make it right for anyone to break the law, even if it unfair? (for example, Gandhi defies the law of the British, yet still claims that he broke the unjust laws, and fully believes that he should be punished for it.)
5.) Again, going back to Nature vs. Nuture, is it possible for one to be born good or born evil?
6.) Discuss what makes a hero. Include descriptions of Iqbal and Jugga, and which one relates or qualifies as a hero. What kind of sacrificies are necessary so that the reader feels compelled to praise the character as a hero?
7.) Many times throughout the book, the reader witnesses how people of superior status look down upon others (Untouchables, government officials vs. regular citizens). The continuous deaths of many leaves the government (eventually) uncaring and unconcerned, to the extent that the masses of burning flesh provoke almost no remorse. Explain the relationship between the government and its' people, in the book
Train to Pakistan.
~R.A.
Enjoy your break. You all deserve it. Just don't forget to qrite your rough drafts. Those are due upon your return. Tackle a little every night or two and it won't seem so bad. Don't save the whole thing for the night before we get back!
