Break Out Room 2: The Theme of Homophobia and Immigration by Melissa Megali

Question #1 - Homophobia

2023-11-02 23:26:42 UTC

Yusuf and Yiorgos were willing to keep Defne and Kostas' relationship a secret because they knew what it was like to be in a forbidden relationship. In a way, Yusuf and Yiorgos saw themselves in Defne and Kostas and knew what the hardships were and risks they were taking to be together.

Question #1 - Immigration

2023-11-02 23:31:19 UTC

The Fig Tree symbolizes two things. For one, it symbolizes nature as a whole and how nature technically sees all. It is always present bearing witness to the world around us. Secondly, it symbolizes love. The Fig Tree is what essentially connected Defne and Kostas throughout the novel and we could see that in Kostas' desire to tend to The Fig Tree after her passing.

question 3- homophobia

2023-11-02 23:33:17 UTC

They were able to maintain their bond through the fear and intimidation by lying low and using methods like secret communication or meeting in remote locations. They were also able to make up excuses to those watching their actions. Also, just like Defne and Kostas, they used them as sources of intelligence to aid in maintaining their secret

question 3- immigration

2023-11-02 23:41:16 UTC

One example of this is Kostas following his path to becoming a botanist, using his experiences with trees and plants to help better the world in different ways, for example, finding out how fire-resistant seedlings are posible due to its parent tree's experience in its own climate. Another example is the fig tree, using its vast knowledge of the human condition over many years of strife to inform the reader on the conflict as well as ask existential questions, making the reader reevulate their connection with others and nature.

question #2- homophobia

2023-11-02 23:42:12 UTC

Yiogoros and Yusuf allow Defne to have an abortion at the happy fig after hours, but a group of men show up and vandalize the place.

question 2- immigration

2023-11-02 23:50:47 UTC

Having a fig tree is significant to ceratin characters in different ways, like Kostas keeping his connection to Defne. It can also be looked at symbolically, as a fig is more weather and cold resistant than other trees. They can also be buried easily and retreived in later, warmer months to be properly planted. This can be related to the situation of immigrants, having to be buried and go through hardships in order to grow accustomed to their new enviornment. But after they get used to it, and in the metaphor of the tree, the warmth comes again, they are able to be planted properly and spread their roots