Mama Said...

This song by the Shirelles is one of many that connects readers with an aspect of Ophelia and George's courtship.

What songs come to mind for you?

DBQ 2: Tuesday/Thursday

Mama Day transports us to another world, although part of the novel's action takes place right here in NYC. Memory, storytelling, thoughts and lived events carry us deep into the culture of geographic regions and the characters we meet.

Consider your family history. Talk to an older adult about a special memory and ask her/him to share the story with you. If you have access to relatives who are very old, great. If not, ask a close relative, family friend, or someone who has been part of your upbringing to share a story with you. Share your story on our DB. 

DBQ 2 - Friday

Benjamin Cohen d'Azevedo and Tituba are an unlikely pair, or are they? In what ways does Tituba's relationship with Benjamin compare OR contrast with Tituba's relationship with John Indian? 

Be sure to use specific examples/scenes and/or quotes from the text and give author's name and page number in your response. 

DBQ1 Tu/Th

Tituba's move to Salem Village impacts her in many ways and helps define who she is as a woman, a healer, a wife, friend, slave, etc. Think about the experiences Tituba has to date (through page 75) and respond to the following questions according to your group number. Each group member should enter a response to the question for your group. Your responses should be entered no later than 4PM Tuesday.

One example in each case is sufficient! Please remember to use textual evidence to suport your claims. 

• GROUP 1: To what extent are Tituba's experiences influenced by gender? Is there a discernable difference between the way Tituba is treated and/or expected to behave and the expectations for men? 
• GROUP 2: In what ways does geographic location impact Tituba's experiences? Is Salem a better/worse place for her to live? Is it a better/worse place for her to live with John Indian?
• GROUP 3: To what extent is Tituba able to integrate successfully into the community of Salem? What are her contributions to the community and how does the community respond? 

Lament for My Lost Child (Conde 55)

The moonstone dropped into the water,
Into the waters of the river,
And my fingers couldn't reach it,
Woe is me!
The moonstone has fallen.
Sitting on a rock on the riverbank
I wept and I lamented.
Oh, softly shinning stone,
Glimmering at the bottom of the water.
The hunter passed that way
With his bow and arrows.
"Why are you crying, my lovely one?"
"I'm crying because my moonstone
Lies at the bottom of the water."
"If it is but that, my lovely,
I will help you."
But the hunter dived and was drowned.