1. Iqbal Novel Study Name: Aaron
Quotable Passages Date: January 31 2010
TOTAL: ________/15 marks
There are many quotable passages from chapter 7 in Iqbal. Below are four
important quotes.
You must respond critically to Passage 1 and Passage 4. Then choose either
Passage 2 OR 3 to reflect on.
In your response, consider commenting on some of the following: special
meaning, connection to a character’s thoughts and feelings, or why this quote
makes you think and want to know more.
You can write your response directly beneath the passage.
* PASSAGE 1
“It means that this kind of life isn’t right. We should return to our families; we
shouldn’t be chained to our looms and forced to work like slaves.” Page 50
RESPONSE: The Significance of the quote is that Iqbal is saying the (life they have now)
isn’t right for them. Iqbal is saying that Child Labour isn’t right. They shouldn’t be forced
to work in the carpet factory. He believes that they should go to there families because
that’s where they get treated right. They get all the love, respect and dignity to have the
freedom. The children shouldn’t be chained to their looms because children or humans
are not animals or objects. We have rights to be free in this world! Iqbal also believes
that any human should be treated as a slave. Children are humans, we are not like fruits
that you give away or sell in a grocery market you have to treat us with love like families
do. Iqbal knows that Child Labour isn’t right in this World!(They should replace there
looms for books, school supplies etc.)(They shouldn’t not experience like as a
slave.)(They should have the choice of play and to stand up for themselves.)(They
children don’t have the choice but instead they are forced.)
PASSAGE 2
‘There was a precise rule among us: Never talk about the future. Not a single one of us
dared to say, “next summer,” or “in a year,” or, “when I’m grown up.” Oh yes, we
talked about things we liked to do, and we talked about the day our debt would be
cancelled. We talked that hope into the ground. But nobody really believed it. It was
sort of litany, a way to feel good. Otherwise what was left to us?’ Page 53

2. PASSAGE 3
“Fatima,” he said in a low voice, “next spring you and I are going to fly a kite.
Remember that, whatever happens.” Page 54
RESPONSE: PASSAGE 2
The significance of the quote is that the children don’t dare to talk about “next summer”
or “in a year” or “when I’m grown up” is because they lost hope and belief. They know
that every time that when they wake up it’s just going to be the same minute, day,
week, month and year. Just like Fatima she’s been working at the carpet factory for 3
years, but has anything changed? Everyday she wakes up to find nothing has changed.
She knows that when she goes to her loom that her slate will look the same never
different. They have lost faith but instead of talking about the future they like to talk
about what they like cause it’s to painful for them to talk about the future because they
know that they will never get out of the carpet factory.(They lost hope.)(Child labour is
too hard to talk about.)(Iqbal wasn’t giving up) (Talk about Iqbal’s Hope)
* Chapter 8 - PASSAGE 4
‘Before Iqbal’s arrival I had been resigned to my life. I couldn’t even imagine a
different one. Iqbal had sown the seeds of hope in all of us.’ Page 62
RESPONSE: The significance of the quote is that Fatima saying that before Iqbal arrived
she had no hope of getting out, but now that Iqbal is here everyone has hope of getting
out. They all thought that there was never going to be hope at going back to their
families. Fatima knew that at night her slate will look the same. Fatima couldn’t even
imagine anything will be different. Until Iqbal gave a piece of hope into each of the kids
and now they all have hope that one day they will return to their families. (Iqbal risked
his life) (Iqbal is seed of freedom)