Questions:
1. Describe the relationship between Fanta and Aminata. Is there a level of trust or care between them?
2. Why do you think Aminata still tries to follow her religion throughout her journey?
3. What is the relationship like between Aminata and Georgia?
4. Was revealing Aminata's wisdom to others a good decision? How has this benefited or affected her?
5. In Aminata's situation, what is the price of beauty?
Summary
This discussion, we talked about the relationships between Aminata and the other characters. Both Anisha and Harkirn both agreed that Aminata and Fanta were not fond of each other, and although they had to constantly be around on another, they both knew that they were not going to get along. We also discussed the role of religion that comes into play in the book as Aminata tries her best to keep connected to her ways. Although people may feel that she should forget about her religion because of the life that is given to her, however, Anisha said that Aminata's religion is a part of who she is, and that is the reason why she continues to keep in contact with her religion. Harkirn agreed and added that her religion was a part of she is, therefore is was good that she continued to follow her religion. We later talked about the relationship of Aminata and Georgia, and everyone agreed that Georgia had been like a mother- figure to Aminata. The two were inseparable, and their relationship had impacted Aminata's journey, immensely. A big factor that contributed to Aminata's journey was her wisdom. It is arguable wether revealing her talents and gifts was a good decision, however, Harkirn had argued that this factor benefited Aminata because without the other knowing about her wisdom and level of maturity, she would not have received as many opportunities as she did. They also mentioned that her wisdom protected her in some ways as she was able to be get ahead of the other slaves, and be noticed. However, her noticeability could have also made her more vulnerable in some ways, as it attracted more attention from not only friends, but also enemies. This could put others in a position of jealousy towards her. Lastly, we discussed the price of beauty for Aminata, as her looks also drew more attention to her. Aminatat was forced to be more cautious, especially from the attention of white men as it puts her in more risk of getting raped. Unfortunately, this was something that had occurred in the book, but it was the least of worries at the time.
Illuminator-Anisha Sangha
Quotes (five):
1. "I cannot speak against the slave trade without condemning slavery, I say." (101) (2)
This quote is expressing Aminata's views. From this quote I take that she is hesitant about talking about the pain that she endured while being a slave. By saying the word "condemn" she is expressing that she is in compete disapproval of the enslavement that her as well as many other innocent people endured. However, for some reasons she does not want to express her disapproval to other people, which is strange but brings out more of her character.
2. "I saw toubabu boys and toubabu men, straight-haired and yellow-toothed, walking, riding horses or sitting in carts." (109) (5)
I chose this quote because it is the first time Aminata is fully surrounded with toubab or the white men. Since it is one of her first times she is noticing little details about them which reveals part of her character which as that she pays close attention to detail. I assume that she is scared because she has only seen her own people her whole life and has not what so ever been exposed to other cultures but her own.
3. "I hated that he had to stand there like that with all eyes turned on him." (112) (2)
This quote was Aminata thinking to herself when Biton had to go onto a platform and he was tested. By her thinking this she is showing compassion and being thoughtful of other people. Based on what has happened so far in the book Aminata seems strong minded. If the toubab were not beating people I think she would have stood up for Biton. If she did not like what was happening to Biton imagine how she felt when it was happening to herself.
4. "The best approach was to follow the buckra's conversation like a well-trained dog." (129) (5)
This is a prime example of how the slaves were looked at as animals. They were treated like animals and they had to act like animals as well as obeying their masters every word. This quote was taken from when Georgia was giving Aminata advice on how not to get beaten.
5. "Mamed watched over the leaves as if he knew them individually and couldn't bear the thought of sharing them with the insects." (137) (3)
I chose this last quote because it shows that the great pressure that each slave had on them. Even though Mamed was not fully classified as a slave he still had to make sure everything was perfect or the master would beat him. Everyone wanted to impress the master and did not want to get on his bad side. If he ordered something they had no choice but to do it or else they would be brutally beaten. This could explain again why Mamed is being so careful with his job and ensuring that the other slaves do their job well.
Word Wizard-Harkirn Mangat
1. Solicitous
Page #- 99
Paragraph#- 2nd
Phrase from the text (context): "With me, however, he must appear solicitous"
Definition and/or meaning in context: Anxious or concerned
2. Bondage
Page #- 100
Paragraph#- 7th
Phrase from the text (context): " I say, I can't speak to your parliament or meet your king without addressing the bondage of my people."
Definition and/or meaning in context: Slavery or involuntary servitude
3. Urchins
Page #- 102
Paragraph#- 3rd
Phrase from the text (context): "Another abolitionist asks about the thieving street urchins of London."
Definition and/or meaning in context: A mischievous boy
4. Din
Page #- 112
Paragraph#- 3rd
Phrase from the text (context): "The din increased. One toubab broke into nasal singing."
Definition and/or meaning in context: a loud, confused noise; a continued loud or tumultuous sound
5. Anise seeds
Page #- 145
Paragraph#- 1st
Phrase from the text (context): "In a light blue bag went sweet fennel and anise seeds, for windy disorders."
Definition and/or meaning in context: Liquorice-flavoured used medically or in cooking and liquor. *Definitions from 1- 4 were retrieved from dictionary.com and 5 from Wikipedia
Stagecrafter-Harkirn Mangat
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