AbuelaInvents the Zero Discuss the following questions as a class

AbuelaInvents the Zero

Discuss the following questions as a class

1. 
   What Spanish words does the author use? Why do you think she uses them? For emotional colouring and to show that the main characters come from another country
   
2. 
   Have you ever been in a place where you didn’t want to be seen with another family member? If so, explain. I haven't had that kind of situation
   
3. 
   Have people ever “shot daggers at you” with their eyes? If so, what were you doing? When these situations occurred, I would either avert my eyes or look them straight in the eye. In the second reaction, people couldn't take my gaze for long and took their eyes off themselves
   
4. 
   Her grandmother says, “of all the hurtful things you can do to a person, the worst is to make them feel as if they are worth nothing.” Do you agree? Explain. I agree with this expression if it is said by people close to me. It is hurtful as you love your family. If talking about strangers, these words mean that people are afraid of your pressure and abilities and want to belittle you in some way
   
5. 
   Reread paragraphs 19 – 21. Why do you think the author chose the title “Abuela Invents the Zero”? The title of “Abuela Invents the Zero” focuses the reader on the grandmother and the fact that she felt like she “was worth nothing” (102) to Connie.
   
6. 
   What do you think Constancia does after she goes to her room? Explain. She reflected on her attitude towards her grandmother. She thought that all people should behave as she did, but did not consider that as she got older her movements, brain work, speech, outlook on life changed and could no longer be as before because of human physiology.
   
7. 
   Exemplify hyperboles. How can one account for their use?