Basanta longs for the beautiful ring worn by her young mistress, but when it comes into her possession, she realizes that it's not the wonderful possession she expected. Increasingly aware of the struggles of her less privileged friends, Lali and Bala, she finds a way to improve their lives and entertain their community-and the beautiful ring takes on new meaning. Realistic fiction, point of view of adolescent girl, Multicultural setting; India Literary Elements- conflict, symbolism, figurative language; simile, hyperbole, metaphor Characterization: describe how characters respond to challenges, compare and contrast how characters interact Themes: friendship, family, financial struggles, social class, personal priorities
Curriculum Connections: Realistic fiction, point of view of adolescent girl, Multicultural setting; India Literary Elements- conflict, symbolism, figurative language; simile, hyperbole, metaphor Characterization: describe how characters respond to challenges, compare and contrast how characters interact Themes: friendship, family, financial struggles, social class, personal priorities