The Diamond Child

Learning Intention:

I am learning to analyse techniques used by an author so that I can understand how they contribute to the purpose of the text.

Success Criteria:

• I can discuss the message the author is communicating through their story.
• I can identify how language characters use provides insight into their personalities and motivations.
• I can identify how figurative language is used to deepen the audience’s understanding of different characters’ feelings and experiences.

1st Reading:

What are the events that led to Bijou becoming known as ‘The Diamond Child’?

 How do Bijou’s feeling about fame change over the course of her experience? What is her feeling of fame by the end of the story?

 What is the significance of Bijou’s dream about Charles turning into a tiger on stage?

 What role does Aunt Jenee play in Bijou’s life? How does this help Bijou navigate her challenges and emotions?

2nd Reading:

What is the significance of the two different photo albums that Aunt Jenee has? What do the names of each album suggest? What do Bijou’s feelings towards the albums tell us?

 How is dialogue used to reveal the motivations of Impresso and Putnam?

 What is the significance of the song about Madrigal? What does this tell readers about the people around Bijou and their consideration for her feelings?

3rd Reading:

What is the author’s intended message about the consequences of fame?

 What does Aunt Jenee mean when she uses the phrase ‘diamonds aren’t forever’?

 When Bijou asked what will happen when she runs out of diamonds, the author writes:

“Impresso laughed. His reflection didn’t.”

 What imagery does this create about Impresso’s reaction? What does this suggest to the audience about his feelings?

 What does Bijou mean when she uses the metaphor ‘It’s not my birthday anymore’?