1. “Skin” by Roald Dahl

2. 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:

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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?