Don't forget: Your one-pager for I Am Malala is due tomorrow!
Today we will watch "He Named Me Malala". Afterwards, you will choose four (of the ten) questions and write a five-sentence paragraph about each. If you do not finish writing, you need to finish it as homework.
“He Named Me Malala” Discussion Questions
Directions: Choose four questions and write a five-sentence paragraph about each.
- How does the film compare to the book I Am Malala?
- How much did you know about Malala and her life story before seeing the film?
Did you think that the film left any gaps in information about Malala that you missed?
Did it do a thorough job of representing her story?
- Discuss girls’ education in your community. Are girls offered an equal
education to boys where you grew up? Beyond the education offered in the classroom,
are girls in your society/community taught that they are equal to boys?
- Malala’s father plays an important role in her life. Discuss their relationship.
Although they both claim that she has chosen the life she lives on her own, in what
ways has he directed her? Would Malala be where she is today if her father had
taken a more passive role in her upbringing?
- Why do you think director Guggenheim chose to feature the Yousafzai
family so prominently in the film, interviewing Malala’s brothers and mother?
What was conveyed by asking for their insight on Malala as a sister and daughter,
not only as a world figure?
- What is it about Malala’s life and situation that appealed to so many
people around the world when the story of her shooting first hit the news?
What factors have contributed to her global fame?
- Many Pakistanis—in particular those from Malala’s home region— have been
critical of her success, stating that she is nothing more than a cover girl with not much
behind her. What fuels this critique? What would drive her countryfolk to speak
against her seemingly good actions and efforts?
- What’s in a name? Was Malala’s fate predestined when her father
chose her name? Has your name, in any way, had an impact on your life?
- Do you think that Malala will eventually return to the Swat Valley in Pakistan?
Do you think it better for her to remain in England, where she can focus on global issues?
Or is it her responsibility to return to her place of birth and campaign for her people?
- Although the film only briefly addresses the subject, what effect does
Malala’s fame seem to have on her? Is she handling it well? Do you think that fame
impedes on a child’s personal development?
If you are unable to watch the documentary for
any reason, please choose 4 of the following
questions and write a 5-sentence paragraph
each. Questions for Discussion
1) Malala is known for her passion for education and women’s rights. How does her passion for
education shape her life? Do you have a particular cause that you care about deeply? Discuss.
2) Malala became an activist when she was very young. Discuss how you felt while reading about her
experience. Where did Malala find her courage and inspiration?
3) Malala and her father have a very unique and close relationship. Think of someone in your life
who has been a mentor. How did they inspire you?
4) Discuss Malala’s relationship with her mother. What influence does she have on Malala? In what
ways does Malala’s relationship with her mother compare/contrast with her relationship with her
father?
5) Have you dealt with a traumatic or life changing experience? How did you react in the aftermath
of that incident?
6) Malala witnesses her immediate surroundings change dramatically within a short time period
. Describe the changes to both Pakistan and Swat throughout I AM MALALA. How does Malala
experience and respond to these changes? How is Malala’s character influenced and shaped by her
surroundings?
7) Throughout the book, Malala describes her desire to return home to Swat valley. Discuss how
Malala’s relationship with Swat is complicated even further by her role as an activist. Do you think
Malala will return to Pakistan and Swat? Discuss.
8) Malala demonstrates an overwhelming sense of courage in the face of adversity. Discuss how
Malala reacts to the challenges she faces, as well as the challenges to Swat and Pakistan. How do her
peers react? What gives them strength?
9) Malala’s family now lives in Birmingham, England. Have you ever been uprooted in your life? What happened and how did you adapt? How did that experience shape your worldview?
impedes on a child’s personal development?
If you are unable to watch the documentary for
any reason, please choose 4 of the following
questions and write a 5-sentence paragraph
each. Questions for Discussion
1) Malala is known for her passion for education and women’s rights. How does her passion for
education shape her life? Do you have a particular cause that you care about deeply? Discuss.
2) Malala became an activist when she was very young. Discuss how you felt while reading about her
experience. Where did Malala find her courage and inspiration?
3) Malala and her father have a very unique and close relationship. Think of someone in your life
who has been a mentor. How did they inspire you?
4) Discuss Malala’s relationship with her mother. What influence does she have on Malala? In what
ways does Malala’s relationship with her mother compare/contrast with her relationship with her
father?
5) Have you dealt with a traumatic or life changing experience? How did you react in the aftermath
of that incident?
6) Malala witnesses her immediate surroundings change dramatically within a short time period
. Describe the changes to both Pakistan and Swat throughout I AM MALALA. How does Malala
experience and respond to these changes? How is Malala’s character influenced and shaped by her
surroundings?
7) Throughout the book, Malala describes her desire to return home to Swat valley. Discuss how
Malala’s relationship with Swat is complicated even further by her role as an activist. Do you think
Malala will return to Pakistan and Swat? Discuss.
8) Malala demonstrates an overwhelming sense of courage in the face of adversity. Discuss how
Malala reacts to the challenges she faces, as well as the challenges to Swat and Pakistan. How do her
peers react? What gives them strength?
9) Malala’s family now lives in Birmingham, England. Have you ever been uprooted in your life? What happened and how did you adapt? How did that experience shape your worldview?
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