Question

1. A theme of “The Break” is that with selflessness comes great rewards. How do Faizula Turner’s actions and interactions develop this theme? Use evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be at least one complete paragraph
2. In “The Break,” Faizula has a meaningful encounter with a young man selling roses. What do the roses symbolize in the story? Use evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be at least one complete paragraph
3. In “The Break,” How does Faizula’s culture influence the story? Use evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be at least one complete paragraph

Answer 1

         From the beginning this passage talked about Faizula doing things for other people, not really looking for anything in return. He didn’t want to bother the person behind him by leaning his seat back, let other people go ahead even though he didn’t really want to. For a while it didn’t seem like he would catch a break but when he was nice to the guy selling roses, and he saw how it impacted him, all his niceness payed off.

        I think the roses in the story represent the beauty that can come out of one kind act. It sounds cheesy but, in the story, it talked about how Faizula felt good about giving the man a smile and extra money, even though the whole day he was being kind to no avail. The man was trying to sell the roses to many people but each one shot him down, then when Faizula changed his mind and bought one it changed the man’s whole mood, and in a way gave him hope.

         Faiula’s culture influences the story by creating a sort of guideline we know he must follow. Not only should one be always kind but self-disciplinary. He showed self-discipline when he didn’t break his fast and chose to focus on his work. Through out the story he was consistent with his actions and thoughts and that emphasizes how good of a person he really is.