Ruined by Lynn Nottage (2008) Study Guide: Act One Directions: Answer the questions. Discuss the scene and its purpose. Then point out the key moment. Act One, scene 1 pp. 5-19 How would you describe the relationship between Mama Nadi and Christian? What is strange about Old Papa Batunga's parrot? (8) What has Christian brought for Mama Nadi to buy this time? (10) What is Salima's story? (12) What is wrong with Sophie? (What happened?)  Why is Christian so determined to find Sophie a home?  Why can't she return home? (15) Why do you think Mama Nadi agreed to take Sophie on? Act One, scene 2  pp. 19-30 What is Sophie's song about? Who has come to the bar on this evening? (20) What is Mr. Harari's profession? What brings him to the bar? How does Mama Nadi convince the drunken soldier to leave Sophie alone? What price does Mr. Harari believe Mama Nadi will get for her diamonds? How about the coltan she lifts off the soldier? How did Mama Nadi's family lose their land? Which of the girls is Mr. Harari's favorite? (28) What does Mama Nadi force Salima to put up with from the soldiers? (29) Act One, scene 3 pp. 30-37 What happened between Salima and the soldier the night before? Why can't Salima go home to her Hema village? What is Salima's secret? What is Sophie's plan for them both? What is Josephine hiding beneath her blouse? What is Josephine's dream? How do tribal rivalries play out in her relationship with Salima? What terrible memory haunts Josephine? Act One, scene 4 pp. 38-50 What news does Christian bring about Pastor Robbin, the missionary? What has happened at the Yaka-Yaka mine? Why does this news worry Mama Nadi? Whose militia does Commander Osembenga lead? Whom is he after? How does Mama Nadi try to placate the commander? (Whose side is she on?) What does Mama Nadi see Sophie doing when she serves the soldier? When does the scene turn dangerous? What does Mama Nadi force Christian to do? Act One, scene 5 pp. 50-55 How does Josephine humiliate Sophie when Mr. Harari arrives?  What speacial stone does Mama Nadi keep in her lockbox? What advice did her mother give Mama Nadi about hiking in the jungle? How does Sophie convince Mama Nadi to let her stay even after Mama catches her stealing? (Why does Mama do that?)  Act One, scene 6 pp. 55-61 Who was responsible for killing Pastor Robbin? What is the significance of that murder? Why won't Mama Nadi run? Why have Simon and Fortune come to the bar? For whom have they been searching? Why does Mama refuse to tell him that Salima is there?