The Breadwinner is a novel by Deborah Ellis that tells the story of a young girl named Parvana who lives in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban. The novel raises many important themes and questions, and in this essay, we will explore some of the key chapter questions and provide answers based on the events and characters in the book.
Chapter 1: What does Parvana's family do when the Taliban come to their house?
When the Taliban come to Parvana's house, her family is forced to comply with their demands. The Taliban take Parvana's father away and order the rest of the family to stay inside the house. They also forbid Parvana's mother and sister from leaving the house or showing their faces in public. This forces Parvana to become the breadwinner for her family and to find ways to support them while hiding her identity as a girl.
Chapter 2: What is Parvana's plan to support her family?
In order to support her family, Parvana comes up with a plan to disguise herself as a boy and sell goods in the market. She cuts her hair short and dresses in her brother's clothes, and with the help of her friend Shauzia, she is able to start earning money for her family. However, this plan also comes with great risk, as the Taliban strictly enforce the rules against women working in public.
Chapter 3: How does Parvana feel about her new role as the breadwinner?
At first, Parvana is excited to be able to support her family and to feel like she is doing something important. However, as she faces the challenges of working in the market and trying to avoid being caught by the Taliban, she also experiences fear and anxiety. She is constantly worried about being caught and punished, and she misses her old life where she was able to go to school and spend time with her friends. Despite these challenges, Parvana remains determined to help her family and to find a way to bring her father home.
Chapter 4: What does Parvana discover about her father's imprisonment?
Parvana learns that her father has been imprisoned by the Taliban for speaking out against their oppressive rule. She also discovers that her father has been tortured and is in poor health. This news is devastating for Parvana and her family, and it only reinforces their determination to do whatever it takes to bring him home.
Chapter 5: How does Parvana's family try to secure her father's release?
Parvana's family tries various strategies to secure her father's release, including negotiating with the Taliban and seeking help from other people in the community. However, their efforts are unsuccessful, and they are unable to free her father. This is a difficult and frustrating time for the family, and they are forced to continue living in difficult circumstances without their father.
Overall, The Breadwinner raises many important questions about the lives of people living under oppressive regimes and the sacrifices that individuals are willing to make for their loved ones. Through the character of Parvana, the novel shows the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
