Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the book over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Consider the role of propaganda in Left to Tell, and how it amplifies the Hutus’ message of hate.

• How does propaganda relate to the theme of Cyclical Violence and hatred between different groups? (topic sentence)
• Discuss 3 examples from the text in which propaganda is used against the Tutsis. What are the results of these uses of propaganda, directly and indirectly?
• What conclusions can you draw about Hutu-Tutsi conflict, based on these examples of propaganda before and during the genocide?

2. Chapter 13 is called “A Gathering of Orphans.” In it, Immaculée tells of all the children who have been left without parents—including herself—after the genocide.

• What does Immaculée seem to be saying about the connection between orphans, Learned Prejudice, and violence? (topic sentence)
• Describe Immaculée’s experiences in the French refugee camps. Cite and explain 2-3 of her observations and conclusions regarding prejudice and hatred.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, briefly summarize what Immaculée determines about Faith and Forgiveness with regard to the genocide’s orphans.

3. Understanding Immaculée’s faith is crucial to comprehending the way she conceives of “forgiveness.”

• How are the concepts of Faith and Forgiveness inextricably linked for Immaculée in Left to Tell? (topic sentence)
• As evidenced by Immaculée’s notion of God in Chapter 11, discuss at least 3 points on Immaculée’s faith journey, including her realizations about the Hutus.
• The theme of Faith and Forgiveness is at the center of Left to Tell. In your concluding sentence or sentences, summarize the impact of Immaculée’s deep-seated belief in God on her life since the genocide.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In Chapters 1 and 2, Immaculée describes her close relationships with her brothers. How do these relationships function in the larger context of the book’s concept of “community” and “family”? Consider that the community in Immaculée’s village is like an extension of family, which is a common feature of Rwandan culture. How does the Rwandan cultural conception of “community” exacerbate the atrocity of this genocidal war? Discuss 2-3 detailed examples from the text in your response.

2. Language is an important sub-theme in Left to Tell. Immaculée, for example, desires to learn English in Chapter 14: “At that moment, I was absolutely convinced that the RPF would win the war. This meant that I would meet English-speaking people after the genocide and would have to tell them what happened to us.” How does this thought impact Immaculée's confinement and future? What other roles does language play throughout the book? What central themes can you connect to the idea of language? Use 2-3 examples from the text in your discussion.