Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions for
Of Sound Mind
n Although Jean Ferris reminds us that this
is "a fictional narrative, not a factual
discussion of the complexities of deafness"
[Author's Note], the information in the novel
about signing and the special world of the
deaf is fascinating. It is especially interesting
that American Sign Language is not English
but has its own grammar and expressive
possibilities. For instance, Palma's selfishness
is conveyed by the way "her hand smacked
into her chest in the sign for me" [p. 6] when
she demands Theo's help. What other ways
of shading the emotion in a signed
communication do we see in the book?
What other signs have you learned from
watching these characters "talk"? Try
making some of them yourself.
n Theo jokes with his little brother, Jeremy,
that sign is "the only language that allows
you to talk with your mouth full." [p. 77]
Find some of the other advantages of sign
over spoken communication in the novel.
What do you think a deaf person would see as
some of the advantages of speaking with the
mouth rather than the hands, other than the
obvious fact that most people understand
spoken speech? What else about the world
of the deaf were you surprised to learn in
this book?
n When Theo tries to find a word that
describes their mother to Jeremy, he settles
for "impatient," although lots of stronger
adjectives go through his head. [p. 9] What
other words would you use to describe her
behavior and personality? Why is it ironic that
she takes the position that "deafness elevated
people, made them more sensitive and
attentive, more observant, more
appreciative"? [p. 144] By contrast, how is
her attitude toward "hearies" different?
n Ivy loves to nurture people by cooking
delicious food for them. When she and Theo
quarrel, how does he explain the psychological
meaning of that behavior to her in a true but
hurtful way? What realization on his part later
makes him see that her behavior is okay? Are
there home-cooked foods that make you feel
nurtured and cared for? Can you think of a
time when this food was especially
comforting?
n Theo is at first unable to act on the truth
about his future that Ivy tells him: that to save
himself he must let go of some of what he sees
as his responsibilities. Why does he find this so
hard to accept? How does it help when after
Thomas's death he finally comes to understand
his parents' relationship and the feelings that
lie behind Palma's behavior? He wonders,
"What would Palma have been like if she
could hear? Still insecure?" [p. 172] What
surprising revelation about deafness and his
family does this line of thought bring him? And
in the end how does Hazel's wise treatment of
Palma show him a way to live peaceably with
a prima donna?
Where to find out more about
American Sign Language
Web sites:
A Basic Guide to ASL
www.masterstech-home.com/ASLDict.html
A brief sign language dictionary, including
numbers and fingerspelling.
Michigan State University American Sign
Language Browser (needs AOL Quick-Time)
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/
browser.htm
A dictionary of signs with small videos to
show the movement.
ASL Fingerspelling
http://where.com/scott.net /asl/
A very clear on-screen presentation of the
signs for the letters of the alphabet, with
movement of the hands. Also fingerspelling for
any word you choose, plus a short self-test.
What Is American Sign Language?
National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders
www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/asl.asp
Some fascinating facts about the origin,
history, and use of ASL.
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