Born Behind Bars

Write an essay comparing some of the drawbacks of the caste system, as the novel describes them, to those of class differences in the US or another country. How are they similar and different? Cite examples from the novel and other sources to support your argument.

How do Malli, Rani, and Lakshman demonstrate the importance of friendship in Kabir’s life? Cite examples from the novel to support your points. What aspects of these friendships are relatable to your personal experiences of friendships?

How does Grandma Knife develop the importance of family, even though she’s not part of Kabir’s biological family? What lesson does Kabir learn from this? Cite examples from the novel to support your answer.

How does the text use butterflies to symbolize persistence and courage? How does this relate to Kabir? How does he ensure that what he learns from butterflies passes to others who can benefit from it? Use examples from the novel to support your points.

Reflect on the lullaby that Amma sings to Kabir and Rani’s interpretation of it. Do you agree with her interpretation? Why or why not? Cite the lullaby’s text and Rani’s interpretation and then explicate why you agree or disagree.

How do Kabir and Amma define a “home”? What elements do they think must be present for something to count as a true “home” and how do their definitions differ, if at all? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Compare and contrast Fake Uncle with Kabir’s real grandparents, Patti and Thatha. How do these characters demonstrate that both trustworthy and untrustworthy people exist in the world and how to tell the difference? What lessons did Kabir learn before meeting these people that helped him recognize the difference? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Why does Kabir think that fear is like a cage and courage is like a key that unlocks it? How do his mother, his father, and other important people in his life contribute to this belief? Use examples from the text to show how Kabir escapes mental “prisons” by using courage.