Fire on the Mountain Lesson Plan

In Chapter 9, how does Nanda react when Raka says, "'If we don't go away, they won't be able to feed their babies'"? Why do you think she reacts this way, and why is this moment significant to the story? What other passages in the novel thus far help inform your interpretation?

Nanda is startled when Raka blurts out her comment about the birds in the garden. Students are encouraged to examine all the details of the scene--for example, that Nanda is already on edge because she and Raka had been sitting in awkward silence for some time--but also to think about Nanda Kaul's temperament and life up until now. How have babies shaped her life? Has the word "babies" become...