Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Doria utilizes an apathetic tone in many of her responses to difficult events in her life.

• How are her apathetic responses a form of Monotony? (topic sentence)
• Identify three examples in the text in which Doria uses an apathetic tone as a response.
• Do you think this apathy is real or rather a defense mechanism? Why or why not?

2. In many situations, Doria expresses her frustration with the progression of the outside world while she observes as an outsider.

• How does this outsider perspective fit with the theme of Doria’s Life on the Periphery? (topic sentence)
• Find three circumstances in which she views others from an outside perspective.
• Does this change for Doria? Why or why not?

3. Several of the characters in the novel try to Escape their present circumstances.

• Select one character in the novel and consider why they want to Escape (topic sentence).
• Find an example in which this character takes steps to Escape their present situation.
• Is this character successful in their attempt? Why or why not?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In Chapter 32, Doria says, “For me, TV today is like the poor person's Koran.” Analyze this quote for the themes of religion, economic disparity, and pervasiveness of Pop Culture references. Then consider the following questions: how does Pop Culture shape Doria’s world views? How do these world views compare with other people in her life, including those from both North African and French descent?

2. Using examples from the text, write a persuasive essay in which you convince the reader whether Doria and Yasmina are better off without Doria’s father. Be sure to present a clear opinion in your thesis and include textual examples in your essay.

3. In Chapter 15, Doria notes that “With me, it's just kif-kif tomorrow. Same shit, different day.” Kif-kif translates from French as “it’s all the same.” Consider this quote as a theme of Doria’s life. How does Monotony play a role in how she views her circumstances? Compare this with her new quote in Chapter 41, “kiffe kiffe tomorrow.” How does the meaning of this quote differ from the first? What does this imply about Doria’s future?