"Clothes" - Discussion

Question 1

symbolism

Answer 1

• the traditional Indian clothes symbolize Sumita’s connection to her family and homeland. she embraces these clothes because she wears them in her wedding
• the colors of the garments are bright, and each symbolizes a different things
• her American clothes symbolize her appreciation for her husband and her adoption of her new home. these clothes also symbolize her discovery of herself in a new way
• the 7-11 symbolizes the opportunity and chance at an American dream. we know this because semita decide to work in the store instead of attending college

Question 2

what does sumita’s father buy her before she journeys to america

Answer 2

a new sari

Question 3

sumita calms herself on the plane by thinking of her ____ stored below

Answer 3

saris

Question 4

although this story is mostly about an Indian couple, the author chose to title it “clothes”. why?

Answer 4

sumita attaches clothes to the occurrence of each large life change she experiences