The Ogress and the Orphans

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. The celebrated poet Dr. Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What does this quote mean? What are some examples from stories or real life that suggest this idea is true?

Teaching Suggestion: Through reflection on this quote, students will have an entry point into the theme of Kindness Is a Choice. Readers might benefit from a close analysis of this quote in which they address this question: What are some examples of the categories of action (i.e., 1. things that are said, 2. things that someone did, 3. how you make a person feel) described by Dr. Angelou? For more concrete thinkers, students might pose or respond to hypothetical scenarios; for example, what if a classmate tells you that you are their best friend, but doesn’t invite you to their birthday party? How does kindness play a role, and why is it more memorable than what is done/said? Readers might extend their discussion on this topic by making predictions on how kindness will be a part of the conflict or making guesses based on book cover images about the characters’ traits.

• In this 2-minute clip entitled “Dr. Maya Angelou: ‘Be a Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud,’” Dr. Angelou reflects upon those in her life who have helped her with their kindness, and the importance of kindness in general.
• Ann Curry’s interview with Maya Angelou in 2002 for NBC discusses the bravery it takes to be kind, as seen in an excerpt of “Maya Angelou: ‘It Takes Courage to Be Kind’” (start of clip to 3:20).

2. In pop culture, the term “fake news” is often used interchangeably with “misinformation.” What do these terms mean? How would you define each of them? Why might they have become increasingly important in modern times?

Teaching Suggestion: The novel serves as a strong allegory for the importance of truth and the struggle we often face to communicate truth effectively. Discussion and clarification concerning these terms will provide a chance for students to think about how the truth can be distorted, and ultimately why Facts Matter. To introduce this question, readers might evaluate a few appropriate, teacher-selected headlines from both reputable and not-so-reputable (e.g., tabloids) sources to judge the truth potential in each piece.

• The University of California at Irvine provides “Misinformation–Get the Facts,” a quick reference guide on the general topic of misinformation.
• The International Center for Journalists offers “A Short Guide to the History of ‘Fake News’ and Disinformation,” a brief history of the term “fake news” and the related conceptions of misinformation/disinformation. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing due to length and complexity)

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced students who may be ready for more nuanced topics regarding truthfulness in media and information resources, small groups might explore the concept of bias in writing and reporting. They might conduct research using bias-free resources, then intentionally find or create a headline or news caption that demonstrates bias. The groups might create a visual aid defining bias that can be displayed throughout the unit and referenced during teachable moments in the text.  

Personal Connection Prompt

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

Reflect on the word “prejudice.” What does it mean, and what are its origins? What images or scenarios come to mind when you think of the concept? Can you think of a moment when you’ve felt judged unfairly, based only on someone’s first or passing impression?

Teaching Suggestion: It might be useful to begin this prompt with a discussion of the etymology of the word “prejudice”: The word “prejudice” is derived from the Latin praejudicium; prae “in advance” + judicium “judgement.” Prejudice is a major motivator for certain characters’ actions in The Ogress and the Orphans, causing not only misunderstandings between people, but also inspiring brutal, violent attacks. This prompt will help students reflect upon the ways that Judgment Does Not Give Us Information.

• Verywell Mind’s “How People’s Prejudices Develop” outlines the different types of prejudice, along with why these beliefs flourish in certain individuals.
• “The Evolution of Prejudice” in Scientific American explores the origins of prejudice, starting in monkeys.