1. Iqbal Novel Study Name: Norien Reyes
Quotable Passages Date: January 30, 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:
The significance to this quotation is that it speaks to the main topic child labour. It
speaks to child labour because according to Iqbal the kind of life the children have isn’t
right because they have to work from dawn ‘til dusk in poor and hot conditions. This
quotation also speaks to Iqbal’s beliefs because he believes that the children should
return home to their families where they would receive love and care. He also thinks
that the children shouldn’t be chained to their looms because they are not animals
therefore they shouldn’t be tied up or chained like one. Lastly, Iqbal believes that they
shouldn’t be working like slaves because they have a right to be in school, get an
education and be loved by people around them. They also shouldn’t be bought and sold
like slaves because they are young children who should be free. (It is also a basic human
right to be free. The kids should enjoy their freedom, that is another basic human right.
Children shouldn’t be treated like an animal, it is very inhumane. Without education the
cycle of poverty will never break in a family. Slaves are people that have no choice, they
are told what to do, forced, no option, and often gets hurt by their masters.)

2. 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
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 to this quote is that the children are not talking about the future or
what will happen to their lives “in a year” or “next summer” because it is too painful for
them to talk about. It is too painful for them because they know that their lives will
never change unless the lines on their slates have been erased. Fatima who has been
working there for 3 years has lost hope because the lines on her slate have never
changed, it always looked the same for the past 3 years she has been working there.
Instead of talking about the future, the children talked about what they liked to do to
get their minds of their cruel situation in the carpet factory. They talked about their
debt being cancelled because it was easier than talking about the future or what would
happen in their lives when they grow up. (The other children lost all their hope, but
once Iqbal came they saw his confidence, bravery, and defiant and he showed all of
them that he still hasn’t lost his hope. They don’t talk about their futures because it is
too painful because they know it isn’t going to change. It hurts to picture their dreams
and futures.)
* 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 to this quote is that ever since Iqbal came into Fatima and the other
children’s lives he has sown seeds of hope which means that he made them hope and
believe that they deserve freedom and they should all be at home with their families. He

3. made them feel hope by telling them that their current situation isn’t right and that they
all should be free and be with their families where they would receive love and care. He
made them believe in hope by planting the seeds of hope into their hearts and minds.
(Iqbal is like a gardener/farmer who plants seed on their plow. Iqbal gave hope to the
other children and even sacrificed himself for them.)