p. 247

1- I personally believe that a happy marriage must be based on trust, love and respect. It is necessary to listen and understand each other without prevailing over each other. In particular I believe that the most enduring couples are those where neither is proud.

2- All six images represent religious ceremonies concerning marriage; obviously they change according to the origin culture but they all concern ancient traditions.

3- Italy is a Christian country and for this reason traditional church marriage is widespread in my country. It is considered almost a necessary rite of passage for a couple at some point in life. In particular, people tend to get married between 25 and 35 years of age. Usually the preparation of the ceremony takes a long time. The ceremony can take place in church or in the municipalities; the bride usually wears a white dress. Another tradition consists in throwing rice at the bride and groom after the ceremony. Finally is organized a lunch or dinner with the family and friends

p. 249

1 -Nazneen was wondering if fate exists or not; for example, her sister had escaped to an arranged marriage, Nazneen wonders if that was due to fate. Instead Nazneen decided to marry Chanu, a man twenty years older than her.

- Chanu is a kind man but the girl believes it is only because she is a good wife, if she did not obey to his orders, he would probably beat her.

- Chanu does not consider his wife particularly beautiful but he believes she takes care of the house properly; he considers her only a girl from the village.

- Nazneen learns what Chanu thinks of her by hearing him speak on the phone at night.

- Initially the girl believed her husband would be happy and grateful to have a young and willing girl at his side, she thought he would love her.

2- The text is narrated in the first person from Nazeen's point of view, the author highlights the girl's sensations and in this way the reader can identify himself with the text.

3- The reader is able to understand the psychological characteristics of Chanu through the telephone discussion he has, and is therefore presented indirectly to the reader who understands the type of character through his behavior. In the same way, the girl appears to us reflexive but at the same time fragile and naive for her reaction at the end of the text.

4- Ali uses comedy when she talks about the physical appearance of Chanu, saying that is possible to put hundreds of pens and pencils under his stomach.

5- First of all, the sister's experience is briefly highlighted, then is presented a not happy and not based on love type of marriage.

7- Personally I would prefer to marry my future partner. I am aware of the fact that objectively nothing changes within the relationship of the couple; nevertheless since I was a child I have always dreamed of the day of my marriage and if I get the chance I would like to get married. On marriage I consider myself to be traditionalist and romantic.

8- Personally I do not understand this tradition of some countries. Surely for families there is an economic advantage deriving from arranged marriages. Nevertheless I find it inconceivable to live with someone you do not love and with whom you are not only happy for an economic advantage.