Chapter 11 Meeting with Father

Recap of Last Week’s Lesson…  Dawan had called Kwai a bully and a liar, and that he was someone who will hurt others to get his way  There is some truth in Dawan’s accusation but it is not entirely true as Kwai shows his remorse and regret in mistreating Dawan  He also reflected on Dawan’s words and was remorseful about his actions

Recap of Last Week’s Lesson…  Kwai was motivated by Dawan’s selflessness and sacrifice in giving up her umbrella for him  Dawan was willing to limp back home in the rain so that he will not get sick from being drenched

Today… Resolution Chapters 11, 12 & 13 – Last parts of the novel

Let’s take a look at Chapter 11 In Chapter 11, Dawan, Kwai and Father had a tensed meeting Each of them had their own reasons why Kwai or Dawan should go FATHER DAWANKWAI

Let’s take a look at Chapter 11 Each row will be assigned one of the three characters In your respective rows, write down in the worksheet provided what arguments were made by each character to support the person who should be going to the city school Refer to the family argument in the textbook pages 103 – 107 to help you

Your worksheet… Father’s ArgumentDawan’s ArgumentKwai’s Argument Your answer may include: His stand on girls His power as a father Who he wants to go Why he wants this person to go Your answer may include: Her rights as a person Her ability to try Your answer may include: His reasons for wanting Dawan to go His reasons why Dawan MUST go Quotes and page numbers to support your answer

Overview of Chapter 11 Kwai had caught up with Dawan after the incident at the river They bumped in Father, who was bringing the buffalo in The children learnt that Father had discovered about Kwai placing second for the scholarship

Overview of Chapter 11 Father had gotten really mad and hit his buffalo, which ran away They met Grandmother who told them that their Father was in a foul mood

Grandmother… said something very significant about Father: ▫“And if he is tougher and louder now it is only because too many burdens have callused his skin, and worries have sharpened his voice.” [P102] We learn that the tough village life had hardened their Father – he was once a timid and shy man ▫“Well, he was gentle and quiet once too, you know.” [P102]

Grandmother… comforted Dawan by giving her encouragement ▫“You certainly ought to Dawan… for aren’t you the child of my child?” [P103]

Dawan… Finally showed her strength and initiative in deciding her future ▫“I’ll be strong, and brave.” (P102)

Overview of Chapter 11 They had a heated argument with Father In the end, Father was willing to allow Dawan to try her luck But we learn that it was a painful experience for Kwai

Dawan’s argument: “Only that I hope you will be as fair and kind towards me, as my brother has been, Father,” she said softly [P105] “Father… if you keep thinking that I’ll never be capable of doing anything worthwhile, then of course I really won’t.” [P106] “It’s like thinking a caged sparrow can’t fly, and then refusing to open the cage door to give it a chance to try.” [P106]

Dawan’s argument: “There’s a wide, wide world out there, Father, and so many things I want to learn and see and do. [P106]” “If you can share in your son’s dreams why can’t you share in mine too?” [P106] “Don’t keep me caged in now, let me have my chance to fly out too!” [P106]

Kwai’s pain… “Kwai lowered his head, turning away slightly so that his face was hidden from her now.” “Just then, a bright teardrop splashed near Kwai’s foot.” “Kwai inched his big toe slowly forward, until it reached, then gently covered, the little wet spot.”

Irony of the Situation… “Why must it be this way, Dawan wanted to cry out. Must one person’s joy be based on another’s sorrow? Why must someone be left behind when another spurs ahead? Why can’t we develop together, and move forward together?” [P107]

Reflections What is one characteristic you admire in Dawan? Why? You may want to reflect on how you can be like her in your life!