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Teachers' Resources: Peeling the Onion
1. Peeling the Onion has been given different titles in different countries - discuss with the students why these titles might have been chosen and which one they prefer.
In the UK it is called "Fighting Back". In the Netherlands it's Van uien schillen moet je huilen which means "When I Peel Onions I Cry". In Italy the title is La mia vita fatta di strati meaning "My Life is Built in Layers". In Denmark it is Smertens Tunnel which translates to "Tunnel of Darkness" and in Germany they called it Der Ernstfall - oder Fang an zu leben which means "The Catastrophic Fall —Time to Start Living"
2. Have the class discuss goals and dreams.
"...everyone, surely, has some sort of dream; some specific goals, and I believe that simply having a dream is much more important than exactly what it is.
There's a paradox, though, with goals and dreams. We need goals that can be replaced or altered as we achieve, outgrow or even discard them. Not all goals are realistic, and it is part of growth to realise when it is time to change your mind, set yourself something that can be accomplished within the foreseeable future and work to that instead. Dreams, I believe, are different. Keep your dreams, don't let people or circumstances laugh you out of them. They can be put on hold, they can develop with you, but no matter how life twists and turns, no matter how long we live or how successful we are, if we are to achieve our full human potential, we will always need something to strive for.
...learn to set your goals, and follow your dreams.
From "Fullflight 94", a letter written by Wendy to the graduates of '94 of Goulburn Valley Grammar School.
3. Have the class discuss theoretical phases of grieving (such as those of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross) and draw as an onion with inward growth rings, such as...
Pain
Shock
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
Discuss the characters' actions or utterances which illustrate the different stages.
Thanks to Andrew Pawley, St John's, Dandenong
4. The walking stick Luke gave Anna was a symbol of hope and support, the earrings Jenny gave her were a symbol of Anna's integrity and Jenny's love, and the cakes Mrs Duncan made for her daughter were a symbol of motherly love and a celebration of her achievements. Think of a gift you would give Anna, explain why you chose it and what it symbolises. Using evidence from the text, give reasons why and how you think Anna would benefit or gain from this gift.
Thanks to Alia Imtoual, Carrie Brinkerhoff, Ellen Wiese and Julia Sautner.
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