Nectar in a Sieve By: Kamala Markandaya

The Author: Kamala Markandaya was the author’s pseudonym. Her birth name is Kamala Purnaiya Taylor. She grew up in the highest Caste in India. Went to the University of Madras Emigrated to England and married a British man in EYPM7o0/s1600/markandaya-kamala+young+face.jpg

Location: Where is India?

The “American Dream” Discussion- What did this video make you feel? Do you believe in the American Dream? If not, why not? If so, where do you fit in? Think about the questions and jot down a few points. Get with a partner and take turns sharing what you think. Share your ideas with the class.

The Caste System: In ancient India a social system developed in which people were divided into separate close communities. These communities were known as castes. The caste system originated in the Hindu religion. The caste system is basically a simple division of society in which there are five castes arranged in a hierarchy. Legally, the government does not support the practice of the caste system.

INDIA’S CASTE SYSTEM

The Weddings: When you think of your dream wedding, what does it look like? Hindu weddings are full of ceremonies and rituals. A great amount of preparation is required before the day of the wedding. Celebrations can last for several days. On the day of the wedding, people gather for food, drinks, and music. The extent of the celebration depends on the wealth and social status of the parents. Celebrations are often extravagant and leave the families penniless. The couple, the groom in particular, is presented with gifts.

Ceremonies:

Arranged Marriage We can all think of some cons of arranged marriage but can we think of any pros?

Arranged Marriage What is your gut reaction when you hear that a 20 year old or older man married a 14 year old girl?

The Process: The process starts by identifying a suitable groom. This is usually done by a matchmaker or go-between. The identification of a good groom is made based on the brides dowry and other possessions. In arranged marriages, the bride usually has very little say. In some cases, the bride is less than thirteen years old when she is married. Today, child marriage is prohibited by law, but the law is difficult to enforce because child marriage is strongly linked to tradition.

Marriage ads: Ex) We have a “very handsome, tall, fair, engineer son” with an MBA, a Masters in Business Administration, working in a US- based top software company at a salary of $100,000 a year. The Girl, “must be tall, beautiful engineer or doctor, not more than 28 years old, from status family”. Our son “will be visiting India this month.” They were obviously wanting to find a family to partner with.

Classwork/Homework Create a 2 paragraph Marriage Ad from the Point of View of your Parents. Include… Your “qualifications” from the perspective of your parents (Education, hobbies, job experience etc) (We have a son/daughter who is _________) What qualities you think your parents would accept in a “qualifying suitor” for you (education, hobbies, job experience, physical characteristics etc) (We are looking for a man/woman who _______)

Theme - Change In the novel, Nectar in a Sieve by Karmala Markandaya, Ruku, the main character and narrator of the story, experiences changes in gender roles, industry, and society. In this unit we will analyze and interpret how each of the major characters responds to change and think introspectively to relate with these characters and how we respond to change.

Point of View - Narration First Person Point of View: The narrator tells the story and is a character in the story. (Pronouns: I, me, us, we, our, etc.) Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of all characters at all times. (Pronouns: he, she, him, her, they, them, etc.) Third Person Limited: The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of a few key characters at all times. (Pronouns: he, she, him, her, they, them, etc.)

Structure Structure: the way time moves through a novel. Chronological: starts at the beginning and moves through time. Flashback: starts in the present and then goes back to the past. Circular or Anticipatory: starts in the present, flashes back to the past, and returns to the present at the conclusion. Panel: same story told from different viewpoints.

Reading Read the first two pages of Nectar in a Sieve and determine what the narration and structure is. Analyze- Why do you think that Markandaya uses this narration and structure? How does it affect the mood and tone of the introduction? What else is happening in this section?

Characterization Direct Indirect - Says -Thinks -Actions -Effects on Others -Looks

Characterization - Flat A character who has one or two sides, representing one or two traits—often a stereotype. Flat characters help move the plot along more quickly because the audience immediately understands what the character is about.

Characterization - Round A character who is complex and has many sides or traits with unpredictable behavior and a fully developed personality. Antagonists are usually a round characterization.

Characterization - Dynamic A character who experiences an essential change in personality or attitude. Protagonists are almost always dynamic.

Characterization - Static A character who does not change or develop beyond the way in which she or he is first presented.

Reading – Dialectical Journal Directions - Fold a piece of notebook paper in half - When you find an interesting, thought provoking or significant quote write it on the left half of the page - Then, write your thoughts…why do you find it interesting, thought provoking or significant? Classwork: Read the rest of Chapter 1. Write 5 entries in your dialectical “journal” - Must include 3 entries about characterization

Conflict Character vs. Character - The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with others, especially the antagonist. Character vs. Society - The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with society as a whole. Character vs. Nature - The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with the elements of nature. Character vs. Self - The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with her or his conscience.

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