1. Iqbal Novel Study Name: Marlo Medina 8-73
Quotable Passages Date: January 31, 2012
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:
I think what Iqbal was trying to say was that they should be treated like a human being
not like an animal that is chained and that they should be sent back home to be free
have fun play, learn and go to schools. In my opinion I think Iqbal is right because it
really isn’t right that they are being forced from dusk till dawn to work only for what?
Nothing because we all know that even though Hussain Khan keeps saying that he’ll
erase a line at the end of each day we all know he won’t because he just wants to keep
them until they can no longer work or their hands are too big for making carpets in
order for him to make more money. and also how would it be right if you’re chaining a
human being, not feeding them enough food and forcing them to work (like a
slave)instead of just letting them go back home to their families.
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
I think what Fatima was trying to say is that they are pretty much scared to think of
what their future will look like because it hurts for them to even think about what their
future will be, in a way I think they are just tired to getting their hopes up and just
getting turned back down. I also think that Fatima and all the other children (were losing
hope) of ever getting out of the carpet factory and being free mostly because for
(People like) Fatima and Karim (Who has already worked) in the factory for a few years
they probably feel like the only way to ever get out of the factory is if they work but
even they are starting to think that’s not an option either.
* 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:
I think what Fatima is trying to say is that before Iqbal came she has never thought
about getting out and being free from the carpet factory and when Iqbal did come she
and the rest of the children gained hope that they will be free and be like other children
who are free from working. I also think the part where it says “Iqbal had sown the seeds
of hope in all of us.” Is trying to tell us that just like a farmer Iqbal had planted hope into
all of them (and is nourishing that seed until it becomes like a grown up plant that can
sustain itself without the farmer)and he has also made them hope for a better life away
from poverty, free from Hussain and work.