question archive Queerly Canadian Book Analysis Assignment "What We All Long For" by Dionne Brand Setting - 2 marks What is the setting of the book? Where does the action take place (be sure to discuss all the locations in the story)? When is the story happening (i
Queerly Canadian Book Analysis Assignment "What We All Long For" by Dionne Brand Setting - 2 marks What is the setting of the book? Where does the action take place (be sure to discuss all the locations in the story)? When is the story happening (i
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Queerly Canadian Book Analysis Assignment
"What We All Long For" by Dionne Brand
Setting - 2 marks
What is the setting of the book? Where does the action take place (be sure to discuss all the locations in the story)? When is the story happening (i.e. in what time period(s))?
Why do you think the author has set the story in this place and time (or in these places and times)? What particular issues or ideas does this place and time (do these places and times) allow the story to explore?
Heteronormativity and Gender Normativity - 3 marks
How is heterosexual culture portrayed in the book? Describe how heterosexual characters' attitudes about gender norms, sex and sexuality are shown in the book. Give at least two examples of heterosexism and/or homophobia or transphobia in the story/stories.
any of the heterosexual characters act as an ally to an LGBTQ2S character? If so, describe one specific example of ally behaviour.
Queer or Questioning Characters - 3 marks
The book you've chosen may feature characters who are not identified in the story as LGBTQ2S (i.e., who are young and/or questioning, etc.). Name and describe the not-so-heterosexual and/or not-so gender normative character(s) in the book.
How is each of these character's sexuality and/or gender expression portrayed in the story (describe specific behaviours, language, dialogue, etc.)?
What precisely are the qualities or behaviours that make these characters different from the heterosexual and/or (cis)gender normative characters?
What struggles or challenges do they face?
What helps them to face these challenges?
What makes it harder for them to face these struggles or challenges?
Queer Identity and Experience - 4 marks
What elements of queer (including, but not limited to gay, lesbian, bisexual), trans and/or Two-Spirit identity are portrayed in the book?
How is the experience of being a gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, trans and/or Two-Spirit person portrayed in the book?
How does the central character understand and experience their own identity? Please be specific. How is queer identity depicted similarly or differently from the experience of being heterosexual/cisgender in the book?
What did you learn about what it is like to be a queer, trans or Two-Spirit person from reading this book?
Queer Community - 2 marks
Are aspects of queer, trans or Two-Spirit community and/or culture depicted in the book? If so, describe them in detail.
What is the importance of this community and/or culture to the queer, trans or Two-Spirit character(s)?
If no aspects of queer, trans, or Two-Spirit community or culture are depicted in your book, why do you think that is?
What effect does the absence of community or queer culture have on the not-so-heterosexual or not-so-gender-normative character(s)? (Give specific evidence from the text.)
Relating to the story - 2 marks
Describe a section of the book (or a character) that you particularly relate to or that you found particularly challenging or unpleasant.
What, exactly, do you relate to (have you had similar experiences, does the character remind you of someone, etc.)?
Or, if you found a section challenging, what exactly is it that you found disturbing and why do you think you found that disturbing?
Theme or thesis - 2 marks
What is the main message of the book? How do you know? (Provide and explain concrete evidence from the book.)
