Akeelah and the Bee Questions
Choose TWO questions below and write a 1/2 page response for each question. Please turn your response in through Schoology.
Describe, in detail, what internal and external forces are impacting her identity and sense of self-worth. Which one seems to have the strongest influence on her (internal/external)? Why?
What are the main themes (life lessons) in the film? Choose two and fully explain them with examples from the film.
What are the main conflicts in the film? Choose TWO, explain the conflicts, explain how they impact the story and how they are resolved.
This movie relates to the story “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan. Compare and contrast what is similar and different about the two stories.
Hint: They both have a child who might be a prodigy. They both have parents who take different approaches to helping them become that prodigy.
Describe the setting of the movie. Where does it take place? What is the environment like? How does the environment influence Akeelah, her school and the plot of the movie? Why does the setting matter? In what ways does the setting relate to Akeelah’s identity?
In the beginning of the movie, Akeelah uses the words alienated, estrangement, and incompatibility to describe how she feels. Look up the meanings of these words if you do not know them. Why does she feel this way? Have you ever felt this way? Why?
When Akeelah is made fun of at the school spelling bee and runs out of the room, she complains that she is laughed at. Dr. Larabee responds, “They laugh because you intimidate them. If you would have stood your ground you could have earned their respect.” What does he mean by this? Do you agree or disagree with him? Do you think this is true in the real world? Do you think people are allowed to be different and if they are confident in who they are, they won’t get bullied? Do you think the outcome would have been different if she stood up for herself? Why/why not? Explain.
When Akeelah is asked to represent Crenshaw Middle School in the spelling bee, she responds, “Why would anyone want to represent a school that doesn’t even have doors on the toilet stalls?” What does she mean by this? Do you ever feel that way about anything in your life? Why or why not? How much pride or connection do you have to your school?
Akeelah’s mom tells her she dropped out of college because “she didn’t fit in” and “she wasn’t good enough.” Why does she share this story with Akeelah? Does it help her?
Explain. In what ways do you feel “not fitting in” is a theme/main message in the movie?
Explain “a community of coaches.” How does Akeelah’s community come together to help her succeed in the bee? What does this show about strength in a community? In what ways have you seen a community come together in your life?
Think about the following quote by Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous. Actually, who are you not to be?” What does this quote mean to you now that you’ve watched this movie? Do you agree with the quote or disagree? Why?
Once Akeelah starts to get “famous” she starts hanging out with different friends and her old friends feel left behind. Do you think this ever happens in the real world? Why? Give examples.
Who was your favorite character in the film? Why? Include lots of details to describe the character, how he/she acts and why you like him/her?
Who was your least favorite character in the film? Why? Include lots of details to describe the character, how he/she acts and why you dislike him/her?
Which character relationship do you feel goes through the most change? Describe how the relationship was in the beginning, middle and end of the movie.
Can you relate to anything in this movie? If so, explain in great detail the comparisons with your own life.
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