Very few characters in "Life" are given names and distinct personalities. Why do you think Head makes this artistic decision? How effective do you think this technique is?

Find out about the life of the typical villager in Botswana today. How does this lifestyle compare to that described by Head in "Life" ?

Find out more about Botswana's movement toward independence. How did neighboring countries react to this impending event? Why were borders set up between Botswana and South Africa?

Find some examples of traditional arts and crafts or folktales in Botswana. What impression do you get of tribal life in Botswana from these examples?

In many of her stories, Head emphasizes the oral storytelling tradition of African tribes. Do you think the story "Life" would be a good story to tell aloud and pass down from generation to generation? Explain your answer...