solution
Who were the numskulls?
They are the kids that were chained to their looms by their ankles. They whined about
small cuts and blisters, and they worked slowly and poorly
Describe the slate and what it was used for.
The slate hung above the kids' looms. It had a lot of lines on it. Each line represented a
rupee. Each day, Hussain would erase a line if they worked well, and they would earn a
rupee. When all the lines were erased, they were free. This kept track of the kids' debt.
Describe the lunch time break.
It's an hour long. The kids ate in exhaustion and silence. They had no energy to talk or
play.
Why can't Karim make carpets anymore?
His fingers are too big and awkward to work the tiny patterns.
Why does Iqbal seem different from the other children?
He's a true artist and he wasn't scared.
Describe Salman.
He's only 10, but his skin is pitted. He has been hardened by life experiences.
What circumstances led to Iqbal's father having to borrow money?
Iqbal's brother got sick so they needed medication or else he would die. The family also
had no food.
What was the last image Iqbal saw as he drove away from his village?
He saw his father whipping a buffalo across the field. He took out his anger and grief on
the buffalo.
What did Iqbal say that angered the other children?
The debt will never be paid back.
Why was Hussain Khan anxious?
Clients were coming to look at the rugs.
What did Karim fear Hussain Khan would do?
He feared Hussain would kick him out onto the streets.
Why weren't the children more unified?
They picked on each other.
What is a Blue Bukhara?
It is a carpet that is only made 2 or 3 times a year. You need a real artist to make one. It
is a very expensive rug
Why does Iqbal go over his memories each night?
He does this so he won't forget them, so he can mentally escape from the harsh
environment he's put under.
What did Iqbal do to his carpet?
He cuts it into pieces.
How did Khan punish Iqbal?
He was put in the tomb.
Describe the tomb.