A Color of His Own
Author: Leo Lionni
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Contents |
[edit] Summary
A little chameleon is distressed that he doesn’t have a color of his own like other animals. He is very sad because he cannot move around without changing colour. Because he wants to have a color of his own so badly, he finds the greenest leaf and decides to stay there forever. This works until the seasons start to change, and the leaf turns to yellow and then to red. Finally, he finds another chameleon who suggests that they travel together and they set off on a new life of adventure.
[edit] Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion
- By Matthew Rudy
The story A Color of His Own contains a subtle message for children that your true identity comes from your personality, not your appearance. There are also other philosophical topics that can be taken from the book, such as dealing with change or the value of friendship, and the situation of anonymity.
Why do you need a personal identity?
When looking at the topic of who you are on the inside, the story conveys the message that it does not matter what color you are, or if you have any color at all, but that the true definition of self is who you are. It takes the aid of another chameleon for the hero of the story to realize that he is fine just how he is, without any one color. When looking at personal identity, you can focus on the ideas of individuality, uniqueness, characteristics, and personality. The questions associated with this section aim to discover the importance of personal identity.
Why would you try and stop change?
In the book, the chameleon was forced to deal with change and accept that he would never be one color. The only constant in his life is change, and there will always be change for a chameleon. Change can be seen positively, as a means for self-improvement. The chameleon is a prime example of growing through change, such as when the leaf he was on changed color three times and he is constantly subjected to different environments. In A Color of His Own, the chameleon sees change only as a negative. Using this basis, you can discuss whether change is negative or positive and why. Change creates opportunities, like the chameleon’s ability to be any color, yet he sees the negative aspects and is blind to the positive ones. Change can originate from any source, and helps you learn to adapt to different situations. All of the animals at the beginning of the book have their own colors, and do not have the opportunity to change. From their point of view, the change of the chameleon could be a very nice and welcome surprise. The questions associated with this section aim to develop an understanding of change and use it to explain reactions to change.
What can you gain or lose from change?
Change, the transformation or conversation that occurs due to outside circumstances, is a constantly present factor. In the book A Color of His Own, the chameleon observes only portions of the change he is exposed to. Initially he focuses upon the negative forms of change in the form of his inability to remain a single color and how it seperates him from other animals. As the book progresses, positive change takes over in the form of a second chameleon who changes the main character's perspective. Regardless of the change that is presented, other forms of change like the seasons, the locations and the mood of the chameleon are all continuosly present throughout the book. These examples raise the issue of whether or not the chameleon benefitted from change. Another point to consider is whether or not change such as the season, which was initially considered a negative change, was really positive as it resulted in the two chameleons meeting. The questions associated with this section aim to establish the positive and negative aspects of change, and if change as a whole can be considered good or bad.
What makes someone a good friend?
His situation can be used to look at the value of friendship and how other people can help you get through difficult times. When he meets his new friend, he is still constantly changing but is able to adjust to it and cope with it. This shows how a true friend enables you to see the positive aspects of things you would otherwise regard as faults, or negative experiences. The book gives an example of the value of friendship in the form of the other chameleon, but this alone is not enough for a discussion. In order to cover this topic you will need to consider personal examples of friendship and its positive effects, and link them to the benefits that the chameleon experienced. The questions associated with this section aim to understand the intrinsic value contained in and the importance of friendship.
Do you have an identity when you are invisible?
The chameleon in the book is anonymous, lacking even a name. With no name, no color, and no defining personality it is as if he has no identity at all. His resulting anonymity creates a form of social invisibility. He is invisible, blending in wherever he goes and never sticking out. Only animals like him, other chameleons, even acknowledge his presence which further alienates him. The idea of constant change without significant results is similar to the turmoil of everyday life, and the ever-changing world. The juxtaposition of the chameleon with the other animals also brings up the topic of alienation. The chameleon feels like a minority and like he doesn’t belong because of his outward appearance. Children can often feel that they are just part of a group and have no sense of individuality, blending into the background much like the chameleon does. The element of conformity and the discovery of a companion that feels the same way brings forth a feeling of comfort and a realization that the chameleon doesn’t need a color to be happy. The questions associated with this section aim to find a link, or lack thereof, between social invisibility and identity.
[edit] Questions for Philosophical Discussion
Philosophical topic: Personal Identity
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. - Carl Jung
- Who is the little chameleon?
- Should the chameleon be upset over not having a color?
- What are your ‘colors’ in life?
- What roles do these colors play?
- Could the colors represent something else?
- Why do you need a personal identity?
Philosophical topic: Dealing with Change
Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. - Bertold Brecht
- How did the little chameleon deal with change?
- Do you think it was a good idea for him to stay on the leaf to try and stop change?
- What does change look like to you?
- How do you typically deal with change?
- Does change make you uncomfortable?
- Is there good and bad change?
- How do you prepare for change?
- Why would you try and stop change?
Philosophical topic: Positive and Negative Change
Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. - Arnold Bennett
- Why did the chameleon initially dislike change?
- How does change affect you every day?
- Is change positive or negative?
- Does change have to be positive or negative?
- Are there certain types of change that are always positive? Always negative?
- What can you gain or lose from change?
- Does change in life change who you are?
- Can you be prepared for change? How?
- Is change a good thing?
- Is change inevitable?
Philosophical topic: The Value of Friendship
Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life. - Anonymous
- Are your friends similar to you, like one chameleon and another?
- Would it be easier to face a problem together, with your friend?
- How do you find comfort in your friends?
- Why do you value your friends?
- What makes someone a good friend?
Philosophical topic: Anonymity
The problem with losing your anonymity is that you can never go back. - Marla Maples
- Did being 'invisible' help or hinder the chameleon?
- Why did he dislike invisibility?
- How can you feel invisible?
- Can you be invisible?
- Do you have an identity when you are invisible?
- What is the relationship between personal identity and communal identity?
- Can you have a communal identity when you are invisible?
