Funny Boy

Each chapter in this book has a mentor-type figure from whom Arjie learns. Pick one of the following characters and discuss their relationship with Arjie, detailing how Arjie responds to them and whether their relationship changes over the course of the chapter and/or book: Radha Aunty, Jegan, Daryl Uncle and Shehan. Be sure to discuss specific ideas or concepts that Arjie learns through the character.

Antagonists also feature prominently in this book. Pick one of the following antagonists and discuss their relationship with Arjie, detailing how Arjie responds and whether their relationship changes over the course of the chapter and/or book: Tanuja, Diggy, or Black Tie. Be sure to discuss specific ideas or concepts that Arjie learns through the character.

Appa takes a very specific view on Tamil-Sinhalese relations and offers guidance on how to deal with the oppression that Tamils face. Describe his views on this topic using two to three specific quotes and contrast his views with those of one the following characters: Jegan, Amma or Ammachi.

It’s clear that Arjie leads a somewhat sheltered, upper-middle class lifestyle. What are some of the benefits of that lifestyle to Arjie and his family during this critical time in Sri Lankan history? Furthermore, how does the book illustrate the limits of this privilege? Use two to three specific examples to demonstrate your point.

Power is a central concept underlying this book. Discuss how Arjie’s understanding of power (both among individuals and between individuals and their government) emerges AND evolves throughout the book. Use two to three specific examples to demonstrate your point.

The author, Shyam Selvadurai, emphasizes the fall of democratic government in Sri Lanka in Funny Boy. Using two to three examples to illustrate your argument, discuss how and why Arjie and his family respond to this collapse of democracy and how this shift in government affects Tamils in the country.

Sexual identity and transformation are key themes in this coming-of-age novel. Discuss how Arjie’s sexuality and his awareness of his sexual orientation as a gay boy emerges AND evolves throughout the novel. Use at least two to three specific examples to demonstrate your point.

Near the end of the book, Arjie says, “I don’t feel at home in Sri Lanka any longer, will never feel safe again.” How has Arjie’s understanding of himself as a Sri Lankan—specifically, as an upper-class, gay, Tamil Sri Lankan—shifted throughout the novel? Use at least two to three specific examples to illustrate your argument.