In Custody Lesson Plan

As Deven's plan to record Nur advances, he more frequently needs to separate the poet from others. What does this separation suggest about the relationship between poetry and everyday life? Why can't Nur's poetry be part of the rest of his life? Why does it only happen when Nur is hiding?

The plan to get Nur separated from others advances the novel's theme that society is the enemy of poetry. However, students should note that it's nearly impossible for Nur to get away, or for Deven to stop dealing with pressure long enough to have his conversation with Nur. All of this demonstrates that the novel sees poetry as incompatible with modern society.

In one of his more...