Aug 30, 2008

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian | Ideas for Group Discussions

1. Lead a discussion among your classmates as to what Penelope’s motivation was in developing a relationship with Junior. Do you think Penelope was merely curious about Junior’s culture? Do you suspect that her attraction to Junior would have been the same if he were white? Did she like him because he was different? Or was there some common quality or interest that they shared?

2. In what ways are Mr. P (Junior’s math teacher at Wellpinit) and the rich white man who showed up for Grandmother Spirit’s funeral (the man with the powwow costume) alike, and how do they differ? How do...