Behind the Beautiful Forevers Prologue

Prologue
1. In the prologue, we are introduced to Abdul, who is hiding after being accused of
attempted murder. He is Muslim, a religious minority in the largely Hindu slum of
Annawadi. (Note: A brief history of Hindu-Muslim tension since Indian independence
from Britain will enhance the reading experience.) What are the two reasons Abdul is fearful of his neighbors? Discuss the role religion plays in initiating this conflict.

2. Make a list of the items found in Abdul’s shed. As you read Behind the Beautiful Forevers,
analyze what this trash reveals about how people live in the overcity—a world Abdul
understands only through its throwaways.

3. Abdul’s motto is to “avoid trouble.” Why is this especially important to him? Is this a
reasonable philosophy of life in a place like Annawadi?