Elephant Run

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Consider what you know from classes, reading, and film to think about the historical period of World War II. When did World War II begin? What was the Battle of Britain? How did the United States enter the war? What was the Blitz? How did people protect themselves during German attacks? Why were many children separated from their parents?

Teaching Suggestion: The protagonist, Nick, lives in Britain during the German Blitz in World War II. Nick’s mother sends Nick to live in Burma to protect him from German attacks. Depending on students’ familiarity with WWII topics, it might be beneficial to begin the unit with investigation or discussion of the Blitz in Britain and the connections between the war in Europe and the war in the Pacific.

• This 3-minute video provides a brief overview of World War II. You might define Blitzkrieg (“lighting war,” a German tactic of surprise attack with overwhelming force), Luftwaffe (the German air force), and RAF (Britain’s Royal Air Force) in advance.
• This 4-minute video describes the Blitz in Britain and what families did to protect themselves during World War II.

Short Activity

Some background investigation will help you better connect with the setting and situation in Elephant Run. Use reputable, scholarly resources to find answers to these questions. Make notes on what you discover in your reading journal.

• What is Burma believed to have been named after?
• When did the British colonize Burma?
• On whom did Burma depend to help them with their independence? Did the country follow through on its promise?
• When did Burma gain independence?
• Why did Burma change its name to Myanmar?
• Why do scientists want to collar elephants?
• Why is there a decline in the elephant population in Myanmar?
• What is a mahout?

Teaching Suggestion: Nick leaves Britain to live with his father in Burma (now known as Myanmar) to protect him from the Blitz in Britain. However, Nick is caught up in World War II once again when Japan invades Burma under the guise of helping Burma gain its independence from Britain. While Nick is in Burma, he becomes familiar with the livelihoods of the mahout and the elephants that are used throughout the novel. It may be helpful for students to discuss before reading the novel Burma’s name change, the Japanese invasion of Burma, and the unfulfilled promise Japan made to Burma. Some mention of elephants and their role in Burmese culture as well as what a mahout is may benefit the prereading experience as well.

• This article  explains why Burma changed its name to Myanmar and the British colonization of Burma.
• This 5-minute video is about tracking elephants in Myanmar.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Imagine living in World War II Britain during the German Blitz. How would you feel knowing there could be an attack at any time? What steps would you take to protect yourself from German attacks? How do you think the community would react to attacks around them? Why might people stay in London during the attacks? What would you do to protect your loved ones?

Teaching Suggestion: Nick’s mother, to protect him, sends him to Burma during the German Blitz. Nick is surprised by the nonchalance of the Londoners who are forced to cope with wartime violence. Consider discussing the emotional hardships of the Blitz, the measures people took to protect their families, and the attitudes of Londoners during the Blitz.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who might benefit from a more challenging exercise, consider allowing them to explore the topic of shelters used by Britain during the Blitz and the prevailing attitudes toward German attacks at the time of the war. Winston Churchill’s “Every Man to His Post” address from September 1940 provides insight into the determination of the British people. Students might share or display their discoveries with the class to provide more information on Nick’s situation.