I Heard the Owl Call My Name | Topics for Discussion & Projects

I Heard the Owl Call My Name Topics for Discussion

1. In chapter 1, Caleb tells Mark that Mark knows nothing. In what sense is this true?

2. What is the Kwakiutl's attitude toward material possessions? In what sense, if any, does it differ from your own?

3. One value Mark begins to appreciate in the village is service to others. What are some examples of it?

4. The Kwakiutl's definition of "village" includes the weather, myths, animals, and much more. How is this different from modern society's concept?

5. There is no word for "thank you" in Kwakwala, the language of the tribe.

What does this reveal about their culture?

6. What, in specific terms, is wrong with the teacher's attitude toward the villagers? Contrast it with Mark's attitude.

7. After a while, Mark stops using the term "we" when referring to himself.