Questions for Two Words
1. What is the significance of the ‘fly tracks scattered across the
page”?
a) How do they change Belisa’s life?
b) How do they change the story of her country?
c) What is the imagery created by the line?
2. In this story, Isabel Allende illustrates the dual nature of the
power of language – that it can be both positive and
negative. What is this dual nature and how does the author
develop this view? Refer to specific evidence from the text in
your response.
3. Consider how the Colonel feels after learning the ‘two
words’. In what ways do words have power over him?
4. In what ways can words have an effect on and a power over
us? Refer to your life experience for this response.
5. What do you think the two words are? Be prepared to share.