Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is the meaning of the word “jihad”? What connotations does it have today, and how is the original meaning different from how it is used now?

Teaching Suggestion: Paul, the protagonist, frequently refers to his struggle as a “jihad.” Students may think they know what the word means based on current events and what they hear on the news, but this question will help them understand that jihad has different meanings. To prevent the spread of misinformation and Islamophobia, you may want to open by dispelling common misconceptions about Islam. It may be worth talking about the three types of jihads so that you can later discuss which types describe Paul’s jihad. This question connects to the theme of Religious Violence.

• This page from the BBC explains what jihad is and what it is not.
• This Washington Post article discusses three different types of jihads. (Subscription may be required for viewing.)

2. How does the environment influence a culture or society? How do people change the environment to suit their needs, and how do they adapt to the environment?