QUESTION
Directions: You have 5 questions to answer. Answer all these questions in full sentences, using quotes from the book. If you are using an electronic version of the book, your citations can link to the chapter number instead of the page number. You MUST use information from the book and include citations for each question. Answer the questions as fully as possible, Use quotes to support answers
Book title: My Sister’s Keeper
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Book title: My Sister’s Keeper Author: Picoult Publisher: Pocket 1. Reread the prologue to My Sister’s Keeper. Who is the speaker? Is it the same person you thought it was the first time you read it? How did you determine who the speak is? Give an example from the book that leads you to recognize the speaker. 2. “My Sister’s Keeper” is told from many different viewpoints. Why do you think Jodi Picoult wrote it this way? How did hearing from each character change your opinions of them and of the situation? Which character did you connect with most? Explain and use a quote from the book that made you connect with that character.
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Author: Picoult
Publisher: Pocket
1. Reread the prologue to My Sister’s Keeper. Who is the speaker? Is it the same person you thought it was the first time you read it? How did you determine who the speak is? Give an example from the book that leads you to recognize the speaker.
2. “My Sister’s Keeper” is told from many different viewpoints. Why do you think Jodi Picoult wrote it this way? How did hearing from each character change your opinions of them and of the situation? Which character did you connect with most? Explain and use a quote from the book that made you connect with that character.
3. Do you think that society would view Sara as a good mother? Why or why not? Do you sympathize with Sara? Why or why not? How do her choices affect the rest of the family? What does our society expect of mothers that make them either “good mothers” or “bad mothers”? For this last part reference at least one other reading from the course.
4. Discuss the consequences of the trial (other than the ruling). In what ways does it force the characters to deal with issues in their relationships? Explain this for the following relationships: 1- Sara and Brian, 2 – Anna and her parents, 3 – Julia and Campbell.
5. On page 98, Kate is being admitted to the hospital in very serious condition. She mouths to Jesse, “tell Anna,” but is unable to finish. What do you think she was trying to say and why was she trying to say it? Do this by completing the sentence that she could not and explain it. How does Jesse respond to the incomplete request?
ANSWER
The title of the book is “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult.
In the prologue of “My Sister’s Keeper,” the speaker is Anna Fitzgerald. Upon rereading, I realized that it was indeed Anna speaking, although her identity is not explicitly revealed until later in the book. The prologue provides a clue to the speaker’s identity through the statement, “When I was little, the great mystery to me wasn’t how babies were made, but why.” This line hints at Anna’s role in the story as the younger sister conceived through in vitro fertilization to serve as a donor for her older sister, Kate, who suffers from leukemia.
Jodi Picoult chose to tell “My Sister’s Keeper” from multiple viewpoints to offer a comprehensive exploration of the complex moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. By allowing each character to have a voice, Picoult provides readers with different perspectives and motivations, challenging their preconceived notions and eliciting empathy for various viewpoints. Hearing from each character adds depth to their personalities and motivations, making them more relatable and multidimensional. One character I connected with most was Anna, who grapples with her own identity and autonomy in the face of her family’s expectations. A quote that resonated with me is when Anna reflects, “Maybe we are supposed to be our parents’ anchors. Maybe the only thing that keeps them from drowning is knowing that we are still afl oat” (Chapter 9). This quote made me connect with Anna’s struggle to balance her love for her family with her desire for self-determination.
Society’s view of Sara as a good mother in “My Sister’s Keeper” is subjective and likely varies among readers. While Sara’s unwavering dedication to saving Kate’s life may be seen as admirable by some, others might question her decision to prioritize one child’s well-being over the autonomy and rights of another. Personally, I find it challenging to pass a definitive judgment on Sara’s motherhood. On one hand, her relentless pursuit of medical interventions for Kate showcases her unconditional love and determination. On the other hand, her single-minded focus on Kate’s survival often leads her to overlook Anna’s needs and desires, causing strain within the family dynamic.
I do sympathize with Sara to some extent, as she faces an unimaginably difficult situation, grappling with her daughter’s illness and the moral quandaries it presents. However, her choices have profound repercussions on the rest of the family. Anna feels neglected and burdened by the constant demands placed upon her, while Jesse, the eldest sibling, acts out in search of attention. The pressure of being a “good mother” in our society is multifaceted. It encompasses providing emotional support, nurturing, and ensuring the well-being of one’s children. However, it is also crucial to consider the importance of respecting children’s autonomy and individuality, as highlighted in Adrienne Rich’s essay “Of Woman Born.” Our society often expects mothers to sacrifice their own desires and needs for their children, but striking a balance between selflessness and acknowledging personal boundaries is vital for healthy parent-child relationships.
The trial in “My Sister’s Keeper” has far-reaching consequences beyond the final ruling. It forces the characters to confront deep-seated issues and reevaluate their relationships.
Sara and Brian’s relationship is severely strained by the trial. Their differing opinions on the case lead to conflicts and a breakdown in communication. Brian, who has been a passive participant in Kate’s medical journey, becomes more assertive and challenges Sara’s decisions. The trial becomes a catalyst for them to confront their suppressed emotions and reassess their roles as parents.
The trial also has a significant impact on Anna’s relationship with her parents. As the plaintiff in the case seeking medical emancipation, Anna must contend with her parents’ disappointment and anger. The trial forces her to confront the power dynamics within her family and assert her own autonomy. Anna’s choices and actions during the trial challenge the foundations of her relationship with her parents, causing tension and emotional turmoil.
Julia and Campbell, Anna’s lawyer, develop a unique bond during the trial. As Julia provides Campbell with insight into the family dynamics and Anna’s motivations, they begin to see each other beyond their professional roles. Julia’s own experiences as a sister and a mother make her empathize with Anna’s predicament. The trial prompts Julia and Campbell to question their own beliefs and values, leading to personal growth and a connection that extends beyond the courtroom.
When Kate mouths the words “tell Anna” to Jesse while being admitted to the hospital in a serious condition, it is likely that she was trying to communicate a message or secret to her younger sister. Considering the close bond between Kate and Anna, it is plausible that Kate wanted to disclose something significant or express a hidden truth to Anna before her condition deteriorated further. Completing the sentence Kate couldn’t finish, it could be speculated that she wanted to say, “tell Anna that I love her, and that she doesn’t have to keep sacrificing for me.”
Jesse’s response to this incomplete request can be seen as a mix of concern, confusion, and helplessness. Jesse is torn between wanting to honor Kate’s unspoken plea and grappling with the uncertainty of what exactly she wanted to convey. This moment leaves Jesse emotionally shaken and adds to the overall tension and complexity of the family dynamics, as they navigate the challenges posed by Kate’s deteriorating health.