Spare Parts

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. From August 1990 to February 1991, the Gulf War played out in two key phases: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. What comes to mind when you think of the Gulf War? Where did it take place? Who was involved, and what were the underlying causes?

Teaching Suggestion: The Gulf War is the backdrop to Williams’s story in Spare Parts. After students share basic facts about the war, consider concluding the discussion by reviewing its lasting effects. This could include a discussion of its influence on President George Bush’s legacy or its effect on the Middle Eastern economy.

• This article from the Office of the Historian contains the US Government’s official description of what happened during the Gulf War, situated in the context of the end of the Cold War (1981-1992).
• This article from Military.com lists six key facts about Operation Desert Storm.

2. The Latin phrase Semper Fidelis, meaning “Always Faithful,” is the official motto of the United States Marine Corps. Why do you think the Marines chose this slogan to embody their values? How is the Marine Corps similar to or different from the Army, Navy, or other branches of the military?

Teaching Suggestion: Of all the branches of the American military, students may have the impression that the Marines are among the most intense. The motto “Semper Fidelis” is an excellent starting point to begin the discussion of the challenging physical and emotional trials that Williams endures as a Marine. The community among Marines that is bred thanks to the attitude embodied by “Semper Fidelis” also relates to the theme of Williams’s Seeking a Sense of Belonging throughout the book.

• This page from the United States Marine Corps’ official website discusses the meaning behind Semper Fidelis.
• In this brief video from the Marine Corps Recruiting, Marine veterans express what the motto means to them.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an approach that involves more comparative analysis, consider asking students to explore the meaning of “Semper Fidelis” in relation to the mottos of other branches of the US military. This article by the United Service Organization discusses each motto and may be a useful resource for analysis. You might also ask students to consider the following question: What does it mean for a Marine to always be faithful when compared against the Army’s promise to defend the nation’s freedom, citizens, and interests?

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

When we think about role models, we often think of someone in our immediate family as an example. Do you have a family member you look up to, such as a sibling, parent, aunt, or uncle? Why do you look up to this person? How do you try and embody their behaviors and/or personal values? What does being a “role model” mean to you?

Teaching Suggestion: Williams’s brother, Lenny, serves as a major role model for Williams; in fact, it is mostly due to Lenny that Williams gets the idea to join the Marines in the first place. This prompt will help students understand how role models like Lenny can shape our lives. It may be helpful to provide other examples of people who can fulfill this role, such as friends, teachers, celebrities, bosses, or coworkers, as some students may not have a family member in mind when responding to the prompt.

• In this brief video, the news outlet Participant asks women ages 0-100 who their role model is and why.
• In this opinion piece from The New York Times, Olympic athlete and law student Sarah Hughes reflects on the importance of her role models.