Amal Unbound

What is the significance of the novel’s title? How is Amal bound? What restricts her freedom? How does she become unbound? Explain your reasoning. 

Abu thinks that since Amal has already learned to read and write, she doesn’t need to go to school any more. Amal disagrees. Why is education so important to Amal? Why does she encourage both Nabila and Fatima to attend the Literacy Center once they are freed? How can education empower people? 

Why is the family farm so important to Abu? Do you agree with his decision to keep the farm in the family and send Amal into Jawad’s service? Why or why not?

Consider the roles different members play in Amal’s family. How do you think Amal’s family is different from those in Western cultures? The same? Do you believe there are common elements of family life that transcend cultural boundaries?

Amal is surprised to find that Nasreen is “more like myself that I could have imagined” (91). In what ways is Nasreen like Amal? What things do they have in common? In what ways are they different? What do Amal and Nasreen learn from each other?

Boys have greater opportunities than girls in Amal’s culture. Describe some of the ways that girls are treated differently than boys in Amal’s village. Do you see any evidence of this disparity in your society? Explain. 

Amal learns from two very different teachers, Miss Sadia and Asif. What qualities make them great teachers? Do you think Amal would be a good teacher? Why or why not? Give examples from the text that support your decision. 

How does Amal change during the novel? What are some things she discovers about herself and about the society she lives in? What things about Amal’s character stay the same?