78 pages • 2 hours read
Veera HiranandaniThe Night Diary
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
In the absence of a mother, Nisha relies on other people to give her what she thinks her mother would provide. Who does she rely on, and what roles do they play in Nisha’s life?
Describe Papa’s relationship with Amil. How does it change over time, and what prompts the changes in Papa’s behavior toward Amil? Consider Nisha’s description of their younger years and trace their relationship through to the end of the story.
How does the birth of Pakistan parallel the family’s character development throughout the novel?
Consider whether school and education are important in The Night Diary and, if so, in what ways, and for whom?
Many themes run through The Night Diary, including family, courage, hope, gratitude, friendship, and love. Select the theme, or themes, you think most strongly defines the narrative and, citing specific examples from the text, examine what the author is says about a given theme.
Nisha speaks rarely. Find 3-5 instances in which Nisha speaks, and analyze the circumstances surrounding her willingness to do so. Think about what prompts her to speak. Under what conditions is it easiest, and under which is it most difficult? To whom is Nisha willing to speak and why?
What purpose does the diary serve for Nisha? How do you know? What purpose does the diary format serve for the author? Lastly, what is the impact of a story told in diary format on the reader?
Hiranandani uses color and various forms of art, including drawing, painting, carving, and even cooking to define the most pleasant aspects of the characters’ experiences. Identify 2-4 scenes where color and art are used and explain to what end. Who is involved? What is art’s impact on the character(s)?
