Chapter 8

Nimtaj goes into a difficult labor.  Reza engages in fierce competition at Nationals.

1. The many forms of birth 
2. The many forms of strength 
3. The many forms of death

1. Describe Nimtaj.  
2. Compare and contrast Reza’s struggle with Nimtaj’s. 
3. Reza tells two “stories” to his siblings when he returns.  What are possible meanings of these stories?
4. When Reza returns to Kermanshah, he wants to evaporate into the night.  Instead, he is greeted by a proud and supportive family.  Did you predict this reaction from his family? Explain. 
5. What is the meaning of Farid’s message to Reza at the end of the chapter? 

Interview a person who lived in or traveled through the Middle East.  Inquire as to the customs, traditions and the importance of a Persian Rug.

Selected text:

1. Waking from his nap, Mostafa reached around to gently grab Hassan’s arm and lead him to his lap.  Hassan’s head rested on Mostafa’s scratchy beard and stared out the dirty window.  “I only thought Reza should know he can beat him next time.”

Mostafa patted Hassan’s arm. “He knows, Hassan.  He knows.” 

1. “Stop Reza,” she said, pulling it off and placing it correctly. “You don’t know what it’s like.  What if you had to wear a silly thing on your head all the time so some mysterious Savak man didn’t take you away?”

Reza looked into her face and tried to read why she was so upset.  It’s just a scarf.  

Reza stared out the thick pane of soiled window.  I didn’t make the National team. I came home a loser.  How can I face Baba? Mostafa sat next to Reza and looked out the same, opaque window.  Reza turned his face and slowly shook his head.  His hurt carried beyond tears and leaving the bus assured the reality of his loss. 

Indirect characterization includes a character’s: thoughts, actions, dialogue, appearance and effect on other characters.  Make a chart of five columns and five rows.  Title the first column write “character” and title the other four columns with the methods of indirect characterization (omit “thoughts”).   

In each of the rows, write the following characters:  Soraya, Hassan, Mostafa and Ardeshir. Complete the chart.*

Against the dramatic landscape of world altering events, Reza’s heroric journey unfolds.