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Swimming Lessons by Rohinton Mistry

Group Project: Expert Groups

Group Name ______________________________________ Due Date _____________________________

Chapter 1

“Auspicious Occasion” #1

This story gives the reader an introduction to some of the inhabitants of the Firozsha Baag apartment complex, particularly Rustomji. You will take a look at the relationship between the couple, Mehroo and Rustomji.

Character Description:

List and provide a detailed account of each character in the story.

Small Group Discussion & Response: Discuss the questions within your small expert group and provide detailed responses with integrated text to support.

What is the nature of the relationship between Mehroo and Rustomji? How do they tend to communicate with one another? What are Tanoo's reasons for leaving the couple? Is Rustomji's lust for Gajra noticed by Mehroo? How do Mehroo's and Rustomji's religious views tend to differ?

Writing Activity:

Write about Mehroo and Rustomji: What is their marriage like? How do they react to each other's needs and feelings?

Facilitated Class Discussion: Be prepared to facilitate a book discussion with the entire class during your presentation.

The focus will be on Rustomji and Mehroo's relationship. Did the couple have a promising beginning to their marriage? In what ways has their relationship changed over the years? Are they a good match for one another? Why or why not?

Thematic/Idea Connection:

Consider what the significance of the couple's relationship might be to the theme of this story.

Stylistic Importance:

What does your group view as being an important stylistically with this short story?


This story includes the characters Rustomji, Mehroo, Nariman, Gajra, Tanoo and a few more minor ones. A reader typically feels a sense of empathy toward a story's protagonist. You will examine the protagonist in the story.

Review questions:

Who is the protagonist in “Auspicious Occasion”? How can the protagonist be determined? Which character evokes empathy from the reader? Examine the story's characters, discuss & respond:

a) Rustomji as a protagonist

b) which other character might fit into that role

Writing Assignment:

Think about your knowledge of protagonists in other books you have read this year. Relate that information to "Auspicious Occasion" to view Rustomji or someone else as the protagonist.Explain in writing whether Rustomji can be considered to be the "hero" of this story. Why or why not?


Within the story, the reader is made aware of tensions involving culture, religion, and class. You will explore conflict in the story that exists between traditional and modern ways of living.


How do Mehroo's and Rustomji's religious views cause tension in the marriage? What conflict lies between Rustomji and the building management? How does these relate to changes in India's more modern ways of living?

Writing:

Write the thoughts that come to mind as to what in the story exemplifies traditional vs. modern mores and/or roles. Include examples.


Which character in the story exemplifies the most traditional way of living and how? When do traditional ways of living intersect with more modern ways, resulting in increased tensions? How can this be related to modern-day tensions in India?

Follow Up Questions:

Describe both Mehroo's and Rustomji's attitudes toward life after the elderly, orthodox Dhunjisha is found dead. What does Dhunjisha represent for both characters?




Chapter 2

“One Sunday” #1

Najamai is generous enough to offer her fridge to her neighbors and trusts them with the keys to her apartment. While she is gone away one Sunday, the goings-on in her absence are unknown to her until she returns to find her home broken into. You will explore the theme of innocence in the story.

Writing:

Which characters in the story reflect the theme of innocence? Why? Indicate, also, which situations do the same and why?


Why does Najamai trust that her flat will be safe in her absence on Sunday? What are Najamai's feelings about Francis after he is caught by Percy and Kersi? In what ways might Najamai be thought to be an innocent bystander in this story? Why does Tehmina feign innocence of what is going on outside her apartment door when Francis flees the flat?

Short Answer:

Focus on the elements of innocence and provide key ideas about it. Which elements of the story express the theme of innocence? How are characters such as Francis, Naramjai and Percy considered to be free of guilt? How does trust and belief in innocence cause problems for some characters? Why?

Follow Up Question:

What is important about the “bat”? Explain why Kersi breaks his bat at the end of the story and how it relates to the loss of his innocence.

“One Sunday” #2

Francis teaches Kersi how to fly kites. When the kite-flying season is over, their friendship continues with other games and activities against the wishes of Kersi's parents. Francis is not considered to be in the same social class as they are. The discrimination that is apparent in the FIrozsha Baag (and India, in general) is what you will explore.


How do Kirsi's parents feel about his friendship with Francis? Why? What is it about Francis that leads Kirsi's parents to hope the friendship will end? Why does the lone Muslin tenant decide to kick Francis? What is the Tar Gulley like? Why?

Research:

Research to learn about the caste system that exists in India and relate it to the story, "One Sunday." Information can be sought on the Internet and through library and history books. Provide a poster display

for the class based on your research.

More Questions:

Why does the Muslim tenant show empathy towards Tehmina? How do most of the tenants of the FIrozsha Baag feel about the Muslim man and his servant? Why? Which people are considered to be appropriate to associate with and which are not? How does this relate to India as a whole?

Follow Up:

Based upon the research done for the presentation project, explain why it would not be considered correct for Kirsi to associate with someone like Francis.

“One Sunday” #3

Kersi, who had always wanted to play cricket on a serious level, repairs his broken cricket bat. By the end of the story, he smashes the bat to bits. The cricket bat has been a source of broken dreams for Kersi as well a nauseating reminder of the violence in the world around him. You will explore the symbolism of the cricket bat for Kersi.


Why does Kersi continue to care for his cricket bat? What does he use the bat for these days? Why is Kersi nauseated when he uses his bat for this purpose? What does Kersi use his bat for by the end of the story? How does the experience of chasing Francis down change him?

Writing Assignment:

Explore Kersi's feelings when he uses the bat by the story's end. What are his main emotions? Why does he break the bat? What is the author's reason for using a cricket bat in the story. What does the bat symbolize? In what ways does the bat hold meaning for Kersi?

Follow Up:

Look for any symbolism the cricket bat might hold for Kersi's brother, Percy. How does the cricket bat effect their relationship?




Chapter 3

“The Ghost of Firozsha Baag” #1

Bai wants to check Jaakaylee's curry masala to be sure it is smooth enough. She used to send Jaakaylee back to grind it smoother even when it was done fine, so now Jaakaylee leaves it thick on purpose, knowing she will only be told to make it smoother no matter what. Bai also believes Jaakaylee steals her eggs and makes her stop attending school so she can be home in time to make the seth's dinner. You will explore the class differences as they exist in the story.

Questions:

Does the bai look down upon the Ayah? Why? What differentiates Jaakaylee from most of the other tenants of Firozsha Baag? How does the bai bring Jaakaylee into her world, so to speak?

Writing:

How does Jaakaylee's village upbringing compare with the bai-seth's lives in the Firozsha Baag? Think of as many differences as possible based upon the story.


Discuss the ending of the story in terms of Jaakaylee and the bai's sudden coming together, almost as friends. What makes it clear to the reader that the bai thinks of Jaakaylee as more of a friend now rather than just a servant? What is the cause of this new way of seeing the relationship? What does Jaakaylee think of it?

Follow Up:

Write a paragraph explaining the class differences that exist between the characters presented in this story.


The author, Rohinton Mistry, changes perspective in this story. The narrator is an elderly Goan Christian ayah, or servant. You will explore the narrative style of the author.


From what point of view is this story told? What is the author's purpose in utilizing this point of view? What style of writing differentiates this story from the first two stories in the book? Further examine the narrative style used to tell the story. Is the narrator well-educated? Is the story told in a personalized fashion or didactically? What type of "voice" does the narrator use to tell the story?

Writing:

Discuss in a few paragraphs how the author uses humor in his protagonist's narration.

Follow Up:

Use one key word to describe Rohinton Mistry's narrative style used in this story.


By the end of the story, Jaakaylee's bai ends up believing in ghosts because of something Jaakaylee does very late at night on the balcony. You will explore Jaakaylee's possibly subconscious motives for scaring bai on the balcony.

Writing:

Look in the story for any reasons Jaakaylee might have to intentionally make her bai believe in ghosts. Write each reason down with the quote from the story to support it.


What does Jaakaylee gain when the bai fervently ends up believing in the bhoot? Did Jaakaylee know, even subconsciously, that the bai would think she was a ghost out on the balcony? Why would she want to do that?

Brainstorming:

Brainstorm ideas as to Jaakaylee's reasons for going out on the balcony in a white sheet. Make a list on the white board of these ideas, remembering that Jaakaylee ends up afraid, herself, by the story's end.

Follow Up:

Consider whether Jaakaylee comes out ahead in some way after the bai believes in her stories after all.




Chapter 4

“Condolence Visit” #1

Daulat's neighbor, Nasjamai, constantly appears at Daulat's door to interfere with her life after Minocher dies. You will examine the symbolism of the character, Nasjamai.


Why does Nasjamai constantly arrive at Daulat's door? What actions does Nasjamai expect Daulat to be taking in light of her husband's death? What does Nasjamai represent to Daulat in terms of keeping up appearances? What does Nasjamai represent to the reader when seen through Daulat's eyes? Discuss what Nasjamai's reaction symbolizes when Daulat decides to give the pugree away to the young man who is getting married. Why does Nasjamai (and Moti) have such a strong reaction to Daulat's decision to part with the pugree?

Writing:

Consider Nasjamai's words and her attitude toward Daulat. Write about the ways in which Nasjamai symbolizes the old-fashioned ways of India.

Brainstorming:

Make a list of the customs that Nasjamai symbolizes and Daulat has trouble following.


In this story, Daulat disobeys some of the customary ways of dealing with death. She has gone through a long, agonizing ordeal with her husband's illness and now has to deal properly with condolence visitors according to tradition. Through her own way of dealing with her grief, Daulat exemplifies the story's theme of new beginnings and rebirth. The main theme of this story will be explored.

Writing:

Through a free write exercise, list thoughts on how the theme of the story deals with new beginnings and rebirth.


How does Daulat feel about the customary ways of old? How does she deal with the traditions laid down throughout time when she does not want to follow them? What is a theme the author returns to more than once in the story?

Brainstorming:

Using the white board to list ideas from each other, consider the theme of old versus new that runs throughout the story. How is this associated with the death of Daulat's husband? Record your ideas in a comprehensive statement for each.

Follow Up:

Explain why the ragman's song helps define the story's theme. Integrate context to support your commentary.


Conflict of different types is a necessary element of fictional literature. It moves the story along in a dramatic fashion towards its climax. You will explore the different types of conflict embedded within this story.

Writing:

After reading the story, do some free writing about the nature of the conflict within the story. Who is in conflict with whom? What or who conflicts with the protagonist?


The story's protagonist, Daulat, is in conflict with both people and ideas. Who are the people? What are the ideas? Why does she experience this conflict? How does this help the story move toward its conclusion?Why does Daulat have difficulty snuffing out the oil lamp? How does this one act of non-compliance create a conflict within the story? What else does Daulat struggle with in order to hold onto the memory of her husband?

Follow Up:

Recalling Daulat's weariness with repeating aspects of Minocher's illness over and over to visitors, how would her imagined solution cause great conflict with the Fiozsha Baag?




Chapter 5

“ The Collectors” #1

Dr. Mody decides to introduce Jehingar to his stamp collecting hobby. He asks Jehangir's mother to send the boy to his home on a Sunday morning. You will explore the developing relationship between Dr. Mody and Jehangir.


Why does Dr. Mody first notice Jehangir? What leads Dr. Mody to invite Jehangir to his home on Sunday morning? How has Dr. Mody been thinking of Jehangir up until this time? What do the two of them have in common?

Writing:

As a friendly relationship develops between Dr. Mody and Jehangir, how does this relationship effect Mrs. Mody? List your thoughts on her reactions and feelings about the developing relationship.


What are Dr. Mody's feelings about Jehangir? What does Jehangir think of Dr. Mody? What effect does their relationship have on Pesi? What ends up stopping the friendly relationship in its tracks? Why? What is your opinion as to whether the relationship between Jehangir and Dr. Mody develops naturally or seems contrived?

“The Collectors” #2

Jehangir is portrayed as a gentle, contemplative teenager. He is mild-mannered and looks up to Dr. Mody. You will explore the ways in which Pesi serves as a foil for Jehangir.


Describe Jehangir's personality traits. How does the author tend to highlight those traits for the reader? What is a foil in a story? Does the author use a foil to accomplish his goals of portraying Jehangir the way he wants the reader too view him? Discuss Jehangir's character as he relates to other characters in the story. How does Pesi most clearly serve as a foil for Jehangir? Why is this foil necessary for the story's plot?

Writing:

List Jehangir's descriptive qualities as they pertain to Pesi's traits. Which traits are most highlighted in Jehangir as compared to his foil?

Follow Up:

Think of other stories in this collection that have foils in them. How is the stock character of a foil similar to the foil in this story?

“The Collectors” #3

Dr. Mody has a certain stamp that is very precious to him: the Spanish dancing-lady stamp. This stamp symbolizes freedom to Dr. Mody. The symbolism of this stamp will be examined.


What does the Spanish dancing-lady stamp look like? What does Mrs. Mody think of it? What part does the stamp play in Dr. Mody's weekly meetings with Jehangir? Why does the stamp need to be a symbol in the story?

Writing:

Why might have the author chosen the Spanish dancing-lady stamp to symbolize freedom in this story? Write your answer anonymously. Discuss the meaning of the Spanish dancing-lady stamp. What does the stamp symbolize for Mrs. Mody, who ends up destroying it? Why does Dr. Mody keep it in a special box, all by itself? What does the stamp symbolize for Jehangir, who is accused of stealing it? Then distribute your written responses and discuss with others in the group. Weave together a comprehensive writing based on the responses and your discussion that would expertly address its symbolism.

Follow Up:

How does the Spanish dancing-lady stamp become a reason for Jehangir not continuing with his stamp collecting after he loses his "flicked" stamps?




Chapter 6

“Of White Hairs and Cricket” #1

Kersi's Mamajii uses a spindle to make a spare kustis for each member of the family. Sometimes, as she weaves, the thread may break. When this happens, Mamajii is in disbelief at the occurrence and filled with shock and pain. Kersi would then pick up the thread for her and she would carry on. The theme of the cyclic nature of life will be explored.


"All spinning things entranced me." What is this sentence said in reference to? What is its deeper meaning within the story? What other part of the story involves a situation going around in circles? What does Mummy resolve herself to after never getting the items, such as a fridge, she hopes for?


How does the Kersi's plucking of Daddy's gray hairs relate to the theme of life's cycles? Which one particular hair best illuminates that theme? Why does Kersi stop plucking and go to the comics, leaving his father aghast?

Writing:

There are a few elements of the story that deal with the theme of the cyclic nature of life. Choose one and explain its meaning.

Follow Up:

The animated film and play, The Lion King, had a theme based upon the circle of life. Can The Lion King be compared with “Of White Hairs and Cricket”? How?


Kersi is feeling many different emotions throughout the story. You will focus on the author's techniques for bringing Kersi's emotions to light.


How does the author show the reader Kersi's feelings toward plucking his father's hairs? Where in the story does this occur? In what subtle way is Percy's personal time shown to be of more importance than Kersi's time? How does this effect Kersi's feelings? How does the author show the reader Kersi's emotions concerning family?Through whose eyes is the reader made aware of what Kersi is feeling throughout the story? Are the

emotions clearly illuminated or are they left open for discussion? How?

Writing:

List the emotions felt by Kersi and how the author displayed them. Explain whether his emotions are subtle or overt and why.Consider the feelings the author brings to Kersi's character. Describe at least two of them and how they may have come to be.


Rohinton Mistry gave this story the title “Of White Hairs and Cricket” for a reason. You will explore the reason for that title.


In the title, what do "White Hairs" refer to? Why is that important to the story's meaning? What meaning does "cricket" have in the story? How do the two items, white hairs and cricket, relate to one another by the story's end? Explain why Mistry came up with this particular title for the story using specific examples from the story.

Writing:

Pretend you’re writing in a reaction journal, express your feelings about the story's title. What is the meaning of the title? How can that meaning relate to your own life?

Follow Up:

Consider whom the title is actually referring to: Daddy or Kersi? Explain your response.




Chapter 7

“The Paying Guests” #1

Boman decides against the advice of someone he admires and takes in renters for a portion of his apartment. When Kashmira becomes pregnant with their second child, Boman feels justified in asking the renters to leave so they can have the entire apartment back. The ethical themes in this story will be examined.


Discuss the definition of ethics. Are Boman's reasons for wanting to evict the elderly couple ethical? Is the way in which he goes about evicting them morally correct? Which characters in the story want to take the high road by doing things in a more noble fashion? Why do these characters not get their way?


With each student having a list of the story's characters in hand, have them interact in order to identify the ethical nature of these characters. This will be done with students conversing about the character's moral flaws and also how they treat one another. Which character seems the most unethical in the story? Why?Examine which one act is the most immoral one; what makes it so.


Khorshedbai and Ardesar have been married for forty years. They are devoted to one another, each in their own way. The significance of this couple's relationship in the story will be explored.


How, in the story, is Khorshedbai's devotion to her husband shown? In what ways does Ardesar portray his love for his wife? What does Ardesar do in order to keep peace between the two of them? Why does he need this outlet for himself? Is it insinuated whether or not Ardesar always needed to have an outlet from his beloved Khotty?


Discuss how Ardesar reacts to his wife's abhorrent actions towards the neighbors. What does this say about their relationship? How does their relationship have an effect on the outcome of the story?

Writing:

While thinking about the husband/wife relationship of Khorshedbai and Ardesar, do a free writing exercise in reaction to the story's end. How does their relationship have any meaning upon the way things turned out?

Follow Up:

Consider whether or not Ardesar can be thought of as an enabler of Khorshedbai's actions. Explain why or why not.


Kashmira has her second child but the paying guests refuse to vacate. When the baby is missing from the apartment, Kashmira is horrified to learn that Khorshedbai has the baby in her empty parrot cage. The symbolism of these last scenes in the story will be explored.


Why does Khorshedbai place the baby in the empty bird cage? Why does she remove his swaddling clothes before she places him in there? Is Khorshedbai truly insane or is there something else going on? What does the baby and the bird cage mean to her?

Writing:

Explore what the bird cage symbolizes for Khorshedbai. Did the bird, Pestonji, ever exist in that apartment? Why does Khorshedbai have dreams of Pestonji giving her gifts of ideas? Explain what the baby symbolizes to Khorshedbai, to the extent that she takes the baby away from its mother. What do the bangles' tinkling on Khorshedbai's wrists, while the neighbors watch in horror, signify?




Chapter 8

“Squatter” #1

Nariman often gathers the boys of Firozsha Baag around to tell them stories. One story, he says, is of interest to any prospective emigres amongst them. You will explore the tensions some emigres from India, especially Parsis, encounter in other countries.


Which story of Nariman's deals with those emigrating to another country, such as Canada? Why does Nariman call for the three older boys to come and listen, especially, to this story? What lesson does Nariman hope to convey with this story?


Questions to discuss: What tensions, besides the obvious one Sarosh deals with, might Parsi emigres have to deal with? Does the problem Sarosh has to face in Canada symbolize something larger? What further stress does someone like Sarosh possibly have to face upon returning to his homeland after years abroad?

Writing:

Write an explanation for Sarosh's main problem in Canada. From where does his issue with non-Indian customs derive? What other problems and tensions might emigres from India, especially Parsis, experience out their own element as an immigrant?

“Squatter” #2

Sarosh is one of the main characters of one of Nariman's stories. The title of the short story, “Squatter”, has more than one meaning. The meanings of the title of the story will be explored.


Which of Nariman's stories best exemplifies the title of the short story, “Squatter”? What is the definition of a squatter in terms of land ownership? How is Sarosh a squatter in this sense? After ten years in Canada, can Sarosh qualify as a land squatter in the broader sense of the term? How?Discuss the different meanings of the word squatter in the story. If Sarosh is unable to acclimate to non-Parisi ways, does the word then define him well? How?

Writing:

Describe your reaction to Sarosh's story and whether he is truly a squatter, even after the events on the airplane. Does Sarosh ever truly feel he belongs in Canada? Does he feel at home once back in India? In which country might he be considered a squatter by the story's conclusion.

“Squatter” #3

In “Squatter”, Jehangir the Bookworm becomes a wise literary critic, able to identify Shakespeare within Nariman's stories. You will explore the characteristics brought out to further identify Jehangir's character.


Using a white board to note your responses, a brainstorming session will take place. Think of adjectives to describe Jehangir as he is portrayed within “Squatter”. Jehangir's words and the attitudes of others towards him will be the main source of his character traits in the story.

How much more does the reader know about Jehangir after reading “Squatter”? What do his interactions with Nariman show about the boy? What do the other boys' responses to Jehangir show about the young man now? Has much changed about Jehangir since the story, “The Collectors”?

Writing:

During a free write, consider: How well does Jehangir relate to adults versus his peer groups?

Follow Up:

Describe the ways in which it becomes clear that Jehangir fully appreciates the storytelling techniques of Nariman.




Chapter 9

“Lend Me Your Light” #1

The night before Kersi is to leave Bombay for Toronto, he comes down with a case of conjunctivitis which is diagnosed the next morning. The infection causes him to carry a very large bottle of eye drops and to wear dark glasses, even as his flight takes off at night. You will examine the symbolism of Kersi's eye difficulties.


Why is there an allusion in the story to Tiresias, "...blind and throbbing between two lives?" At what point does Kersi put on the dark glasses? What occurs between his pink eye diagnosis and his plane flight out of Bombay? How does this relate, symbolically, to his donning of the dark glasses?


First, better familiarize yourselves with Tiresias from Greek literature who is blinded by Athena after he accidentally views her bathing without any clothing on. How does this relate symbolically to Kirsi "paying the price" for seeking emigration? Why is there any "price" at all to be paid?

Writing:

Thinking about Kersi's night flight out of India with the dark glasses and his return visit without the glasses, what do the dark glasses and his pink eye symbolize?

Follow Up:

Why is Kersi able to see the difference between England and Bombay so well when he visits India once again? What does his improved eye condition symbolize?

“Lend Me Your Light” #2

By the end of the story, Kersi is no more enlightened than he was throughout the tale. He still compares himself to Tiresias, stuck between two lives. You will explore the way in which Kersi exemplifies the story's theme of confusion in life.


How does Kersi's musings over Tiresias highlight his confusion? What is it about Jamshed that brings to light both Jamshed's and Kersi's bewilderment with the bridge between India and other cultures?

Writing:

While living in Toronto, Kersi receives a letter from Jamshed, denigrating India. Why does this letter confuse and puzzle Kersi? Explain Kersi's feelings.


Class Debate: Arrange the class into three groups for discussion about the reasons for Kersi's confusion. The groups will focus upon: Kersi's bewilderment over Jamshed's disdain for all things Indian now; Kersi's disappointment upon his return flight into Bombay; and Percy's involvement with the farmer's social action group. The groups debate the story's main reason for Kersi's puzzlement about life.

Follow Up:

How does the story of Tiresias exemplify Kersi's confusion? Read about the Greek myth to formulate your answer.




Chapter 10

“Exercises” #1

Jehangir and Behroze have come close to kissing and physically expressing their mutual attraction a few times. Throughout the story, a bench often appears. You will explore the symbolism of the benches throughout the story.


During which occasions is there a bench in the story? What significance might the bench hold for that particular instance? What had interrupted the couple's first kiss on the overhang bench in the park? What is Jehangir determined must happen after that incident?


What might the benches in the story symbolize for Jehangir? Can the bushes he hides behind while watching the exercisers also be considered a metaphor for a bench? How?

Writing:

Explore the sports term "on the bench" as it might relate to this story. Why might some benches in the story be "hanging", others paan-stained on the train and some a veranda bench? What do the different benches symbolize?

“Exercises” #2

When Behroze attempts to have a romantic evening with Jehangir, the young man realizes it is after eight o'clock. He runs home, leaving a teary-eyed Behroze behind. You will explore Jehangir's epiphany at the story's conclusion.


When Jehangir goes to Behroze in order to break up with her, how do his actions surprise him? When Behroze switches off the lamp as the two of them sit on her sofa, why is there distant thunder outside coupled with the wholesome smell of earth? What does Jehangir begin to realize with a horror when he realizes the time? What does he do and why? When Jehangir runs home in the soaking rain, away from his first real girlfriend, away from the freedom and joy of romance, what is he running towards? What has he woken up to realize as he runs home?

Writing:

Explain the epiphany Jehangir has when he sees the two tiny tears on Behroze's lashes? What Jehangir has come to understand about Bhagwan Baba's advice to him.




Chapter 11

“Swimming Lessons” #1

Kersi tries and fails to learn how to swim, until at last, he is able to tolerate being underwater in his own tub, where he can open his eyes and see clearly. You will explore what water symbolizes for Kersi.


What prevents Kersi from learning how to swim at Chaupatty Beach? What stops him at the town swimming pool? What does water mean to Kersi, other than something to be feared? Does Kersi think the mysteries that water symbolizes can ever be attained?


What does Kersi relate water to being akin to? What does he consider water to be a symbol of in life? In death? How does his return to the idea of cause and effect relate to water?

Writing:

Write about the symbolism of water, both in “Swimming Lessons” and in life, generally. How does water equal regeneration according to Kersi?

“Swimming Lessons” #2

Within the story, Kersi sometimes takes his ideas around in circles, questioning the beginning and the end of things. He does this with the divorce rate in India, the dirt of the Chaupatty Sea, Mother's ideas of why Kersi is writing, and the water in radiators. The theme of cause and effect will be explored.


Where in the story does Kersi discuss the theme of cause and effect? Why does he continue to return to this motif? What greater question is the narrator dealing with when making his way around this one thematic idea?

Writing:

Write on Kersi's state of mind during his constant thoughts of cause and effect. Why is it important to determine what causes things to happen, what the effects are and which came first?

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