Breath, Eyes, Memory
by Edwidge Danticat
About_
This study guide covers Edwidge Danticat’s novel ‘Breath, Eyes, Memory,’ exploring themes of trauma,
mother-daughter relationships, and cultural identity across Haiti and New York. It follows Sophie Caco from her
childhood departure from Haiti through her struggles with testing, love, and loss. This study guide contains 65
questions across 5 chapter sections (50 Factual + 15 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus
Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 5 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (50 total), 5 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (15 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 10-12
Teacher Note_
This study guide offers a powerful framework for helping students navigate difficult but essential conversations
about generational trauma, bodily autonomy, and cultural inheritance. By combining factual comprehension with
critical analysis, you’ll guide students toward deeper empathy and understanding while saving valuable
preparation time. Trust your students to sit with the discomfort—these are the conversations that build both
literacy and humanity.