“Skin” by Roald Dahl

What is the cultural importance of tattoos? Tattoos have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/tattoo.html#ixzz0gwz8Rt19

Roald Dahl He wrote books, screenplays and short stories James and the Giant Peach. Gremlins Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Matilda

Biography British author of dark short stories and liberating fairy tales. He attended British schools where, he met the nasty authority figures like children‐flogging headmasters and grouchy shop owners that would become figures in his stories. Children often seek earn revenge on cruel adults in his stories. After school he skipped college to work for Shell Oil Company in Africa.

Skin Addresses issues of greed and revenge. Takes place in Paris. Characters you need to know Drioli-tattoo parlor owner Soutine- artist (in love with Josie) Josie- Drioli’s wife Hotel Owner (Hotel Bristol in Cannes) Gallery Owner Uses Flashback Has an ambiguous ending

Ambiguity "Nothing in this world has only one side to it" (Potok 344). subject to more than one interpretation.

Story Questions 1) How do we know that the picture gallery is going to be significant? 2)How does Drioli first describe Soutine? 3) What does Drioli want to celebrate? 4) What does Soutine mean when he says his paintings are not “nourishing”? 5) How do we know that Soutine liked the painting of Josie on Drioli’s back?

Story Questions 6) Why wouldn’t people want tattoos on their arms anymore? 7) What kind of man to you think the dignified people at the art exhibition see when they look at Drioli? 8) Why does Drioli not like the way the gallery owner is looking at him? 9) Do you trust the hotel owners offer to live at the Hotel Bristol in Cannes? What are his motives?

Writing Assignment Write a five paragraph essay describing your version of the ending to Skin. Paragraph 1: Clearly state you opinion if Drioli is alive or dead. Why do you have your opinion, what details to you have to support your opinion? Paragraph 2: Explain what happened when the two men left the gallery. Did they go to dinner or somewhere else? Paragraph 3: Explain how Drioli died or where he is currently living. Paragraph 4: Explain why people felt that Drioli and the tattoo on his back were so important. Did people value Drioli or just his tattoo?