Mahasweta Devi: Short Stories Lesson Plan

How does today’s reading deal with the idea of needing to prove one’s value in society? Is there a deeper underlying concept or system underneath this idea?

Students will likely (and are encouraged to) continue with their discussion from Day 2, discussion question no. 3 (Why is it important for Jashoda to consider herself not just a mother but a professional mother?), connecting the underlying societal drivers which influence Jashoda’s identity as professional mother with those that continue to require her to prove her utility in order to be granted the right to exist. For instance, they may point to the scene in which Jashoda asks Kangali if she can live with him at...