“Without your family, you are nothing.”—Muazena
This quote encapsulates a central theme in the story. Sofia, an adolescent girl living in Mozambique, has her family shattered when raiders invade their village. She loses her father and her grandmotherly friend, Muazena, along with her home. She, her mother (Lydia), sister (Maria), and brother (Alfredo) move on foot from village to village until they settle with many others who have fled their villages. This village offers schooling for the children so that they can learn to read and write. Sofia and Maria attend half days and work the other half. José Maria, a Brazilian priest in charge of the school, calls a meeting of the villagers and warns them to stay on the worn paths because there are landmines in the area. Although this warning is taken seriously, Sofia accidentally leaves the path one day and she and Maria become victims of a mine. Sofia survives but loses her legs as a result. The story continues to describe her long recovery and how she was able to walk with artificial legs. She learns to sew and is able to return to her family in the village to continue her life. Throughout the story, Sofia returns to look at the flames in a fire. The flames hold her memories of those who were important to her—her family and friends. She realizes that she will always have them close to her even though they are dead. She knows that her family is the most important thing in her life, and she decides to stay close to them.
#1: The text on pages 53-56 was intense and made me think about how medical professionals view death and dying. For me, the situation comes down to positive vs. negative thinking or hope vs. doubt. It is applicable in any problem solving situation. The solutions come in positive thinking.If we were all pessimists when a problem occurs, we wouldn't have near the successes or "miracles" occur. Did I and do I have faith....absolutely. Does "faith" have a religious undertone? For some, but for all, it is achieving the highest level of thinking. Daily affirmations, praying, yoga, meditation, self reflection are all interpreting events and applying knowledge to improve your environment.
ReplyDelete#2-The old woman and fabric could be coincedence or reading people, or have application to native american quests or religious retreats. All of them are self reflection and that is important to teach kids. Having a moment to yourself to reflect and connect to your surroundings is important for growth. On Fridays, I have my students lay down and breathe and reflect on their week and let go. In a fast pace world, this kind of activity is overlooked and underrated.
#3 The choice of Sofia to steal was the wrong choice regardless if she gave the sheet as a gift to someone else. However, the teachable moment is how her guilt seeps into her interaction and thoughts continually when she sees the priest and nun. Guilt is an important emotion to teach and for all to confront. It is the empathy ones actions has caused towards another.I would enjoy teaching this debate in a class.
#4 Again the fire is a way for Sophia to reflect and have a moment to herself. She is connecting to her inner-conciousness and interpreting her choices based on the boundaries and expectations her rolemodels have set for her.
#3 I believe it was wrong for Sofia to have stolen the sheet. She should have asked if she could have had it. However,her heart was in the right place as she badley wanted to present her sister with a gift rather than something for her benefit.
ReplyDeleteI found this book to be very inspiring! What great odds to overcome! Sofia is a brave soul and a great example of perserverance(did I spell that right?) This book is a good pick for young females to read!
ReplyDeletehingfnlhfknnmnmhgh
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehi everyone come and view my youtube channel it is Sub-Zero Zombie
ReplyDelete