Social Clubs and Inclusion

1. Mina observes that the clubs her friends create seem designed to exclude others deliberately, ensuring everyone is painfully aware of being left out. Does this stark interpretation reflect the reality of social clubs, or is it an overly harsh judgment?

Importance of Diverse Literary Exploration

2. Mina's teacher expresses dissatisfaction due to Mina's reluctance to read books focused on African American experiences. Should reading about different ethnic groups, as emphasized by Mina’s teacher, be considered essential? Why or why not?

Young Love and Realism

3. At eleven years old, Mina finds herself enamored with Tamer, a significantly older and married man, and this infatuation lingers for years. Does this scenario strike you as believable?

Evaluating Mr. Bryce

4. What characteristics or failures contribute to Mr. Bryce's ineffectiveness as a teacher?

Perceptions of Intelligence and Gender

5. Mina's mother shares a cautionary belief: "there are men who don't like girls, women, to be too smart." Has this sentiment evolved over time, or does it remain a common mindset?

Stereotyping in Literature

6. In Come a Stranger, many white characters—such as Mr. Bryce, Miss Maddinton, and the individuals Mina babysits for—are depicted unfavorably. Has Voigt relied too heavily on stereotypes in her representation of white people?

Mina’s Work Experience

7. While employed by the Shipps, Mina takes on cleaning, cooking, and childcare for minimal pay, often working extra hours with no clear end in sight. When working for a similar white family, Mina found their treatment harsh and abusive. Are the Shipps subjecting Mina to abuse?

Conformity vs. Individuality

8. Mrs. Smith claims that white society desires conformity, leaving no room for the unconventional. Is this statement reflective of reality? Provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

Character Exploration

9. Delve into The Runner to uncover more about Tamer Shipp in his youth. Compose a character sketch of Tamer using insights from both books.