Consider the early chapters of the book, before the genocide begins, and events such as the “ethnic roll call” in Chapter 2. Discuss the ways Immaculée saw the conflict manifesting, before the genocide.

Consider the political climate of Rwanda in 1994, as Immaculée describes it in Left to Tell. How does propaganda influence certain characters and the various plot lines? Explain in terms of the book’s theme relating to cyclical violence perpetuated throughout history.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide is a civil war, meaning that the warring factions are both internal populations. Keeping in mind themes of religion and forgiveness, compare this civil war to the American Civil War in the 1860s. What are the key similarities and differences?