Class 7 - English - Novel "White Dolphin" - Ms. Beenish Salman

Summary

In this video, we are introduced to the key characters of *The White Dolphin*. The protagonist, Cara, struggles with dyslexia and the loss of her mother, while also grappling with school bullying. Phoenix, a brilliant boy with cerebral palsy, becomes her ally in fighting against dredging that threatens the environment they love. Cara’s father, Jim, deals with his own struggles with dyslexia, and the family faces financial hardships. Meanwhile, antagonists like Dollie Evans, who opposes the dredging ban, add tension to the story. The video provides a glimpse into these complex relationships and the struggles the characters face in the first 15 chapters of the novel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cara is the protagonist of *The White Dolphin* and struggles with dyslexia, which leads to bullying at school.
• 😀 Cara lost her mother a year ago and continues to hope she will return, which adds emotional depth to her character.
• 😀 Cara is passionate about nature and concerned about the environmental impact of dredging in the bay.
• 😀 Phoenix, who has cerebral palsy, is also bullied at school but is highly intelligent and helps Cara with her mission to stop the dredging.
• 😀 Cara's father, Jim, suffers from dyslexia and struggles to find stable employment, which puts a strain on the family’s finances.
• 😀 Cara and her father live with Jim's sister, Bev, since they cannot afford their own home.
• 😀 Uncle Tom, who works for Dollie Evans, is fired after signing a petition to ban the dredging project, revealing his opposition to the environmental destruction.
• 😀 Bev, Cara's aunt, is pregnant and often worries about the family's future due to their financial difficulties.
• 😀 Daisy, Cara's younger cousin, shares a room with her and has a charming personality that makes her easily liked by others.
• 😀 Dollie Evans is the main antagonist, a powerful figure who opposes the dredging ban and is directly at odds with Cara’s efforts.
• 😀 The first 15 chapters introduce the main characters, their personal struggles, and the central conflict surrounding the dredging project.

Q & A

Who is the main protagonist in the novel 'The White Dolphin'?

The main protagonist in the novel is Kara. She is a young girl who suffers from dyslexia and is bullied at school.

What personal struggles does Kara face in the story?

Kara struggles with dyslexia, bullying at school, and the emotional loss of her mother, who passed away a year ago. She still hopes her mother will return.

How is Kara’s relationship with nature depicted in the novel?

Kara is portrayed as a nature lover, with a particular concern for the end of the dredging ban, which she believes negatively affects the environment.

What disability does Phoenix suffer from, and how does it affect his life?

Phoenix suffers from cerebral palsy, which impacts his physical abilities. Despite this, he is intelligent and supports Kara in her efforts related to the dredging ban.

How does Phoenix contribute to the storyline?

Phoenix helps Kara with the extension of the dredging ban, showing that his intelligence and resourcefulness help overcome physical limitations.

What is Kara's family situation, and how does it affect her life?

Kara's father, Jim, also suffers from dyslexia, which prevents him from finding a stable job. Kara lives with her father in her aunt Bev's house, as Jim cannot afford a home. Bev is also expecting a baby.

What role does Kara’s cousin Daisy play in the story?

Daisy is Kara's cousin and shares a room with her. She is portrayed as charming and manipulative, easily winning over those around her.

Who are Jake and Ethan, and what role do they play in Kara's life?

Jake and Ethan are two boys who bully Kara at school, often making her life difficult and contributing to her struggles.

Who is the main antagonist in the story, and what are his motivations?

The main antagonist is Evans, a powerful and influential figure who opposes the dredging ban. He is a key force against Kara's efforts to protect the environment.

How does Uncle Tom’s involvement with Evans affect his life?

Uncle Tom works for Evans but gets fired after signing a petition to support the dredging ban. This decision highlights his moral stance against Evans' actions, despite the cost to his job.