Recollection of Family Nonfiction Study  Nonfiction is a literary work that does not involve imaginary events or people. It is true story.

TEACHER NOTES: As a class, start a discussion by listing the roles or ways students views their parents (i.e., providers, helpers, companions). Talk about the way our relationship with parents changes as you grow older, which is the topic of the essay we read together today

“Remember, Mum, When I Mocked You? By Irshad Manji

This is a nonfiction essay written in first person narrative towards the character’s mother, someone painfully “immigrant” in the narrator’s youthful eyes. Her perspective has changed, though, which was the topic of the essay.

Prior to Reading – TEACAHER NOTES o Describe a time when you began to realize your parents were not so invincible and were vulnerable. o Have you ever witnessed a parent hurt or emotional? Did it change how you saw them, just a little? Explain.

Content and Style 1. What is the tone of the story? Give three pieces of evidence to support your response.

2. How effective do you think the story is written as directed to the mother. Would it have had the same effect for the reader if the narrator just retold the story from her youth? Why direct the narrative towards the mother? “Beyond My Father’s Shadow” by Gordon Chambers

Content and Style 1. In two sentences, explain the conflict between the author and his father.

2. How does the author’s mother feel about his father’s attitude?

3. Starting on the second page, the author begins to understand why his father is the way he is. Briefly explain the circumstances that helped to mold his father’s identity.

4. In the last few paragraphs, the author seems to be at peace with his relationship with his father. Why?

Personal and Imaginative Responses Direction(s): Chose one of the following and write a formal paragraph. (5 – Content & Interpretation & 5 – Paragraph Structure)

Can you recall a time when a friend was embarrassed by one of their parents and possibly made the parent feel under-valued? Explain. Why do you think it’s easier to see friends take their parents for granted and not see ourselves do the same thing?

Obviously, the idea of “manhood”, “manliness,” and/or “macho” has changed. In your opinion, what does it mean to “be a man” in today’s day and age?

Media sometimes presents mixed messages as to what a good role model of “manhood” or “femininity” looks like. Supply one example of either a good or bad example of manhood” or “femininity” from television, movies, or music and explain why he/she is either a good or bad example.