Parvana, the courageous protagonist of Deborah Ellis's The Breadwinner, is vividly portrayed in the novel, though interpretations can vary across different adaptations. This guide will help you visualize Parvana and create your own easy drawings based on descriptions from the book.
Physical Description of Parvana: A Starting Point
The book doesn't provide a detailed physical description, focusing more on Parvana's spirit and resilience. However, we can glean some key features:
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Age: Parvana is a young girl, likely around eleven years old, though her experiences have aged her beyond her years. This should inform your drawing – she's not a toddler, but she's not yet a teenager.
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Build: Parvana is likely of a slight build, not overly tall or stout. Years of hardship and limited access to nutritious food would suggest a lean frame.
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Hair: Her hair is likely dark and possibly unkempt, reflecting the chaotic and impoverished circumstances of her life. Think about messy braids or loose, slightly tangled strands.
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Clothing: Parvana's clothing would be simple, worn, and practical. Think loose, possibly patched-up clothing suitable for the harsh realities of Kabul. The burqa is a key element, representing both oppression and a tool for survival.
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Eyes: Parvana's eyes are likely her most expressive feature. The illustrations often depict them as dark and full of emotion – reflecting her intelligence, courage, and underlying vulnerability.
Easy Drawing Ideas for Parvana
Here are some simple drawing ideas that capture the essence of Parvana:
Drawing 1: Parvana in the Burqa
This drawing focuses on Parvana's silhouette in her burqa.
- Start with a simple shape: Draw an elongated oval for the body.
- Add the head: Draw a small circle on top of the oval.
- Sketch the burqa: Add simple lines to indicate the folds and drape of the burqa.
- Add details: Draw a simple face, partially hidden by the burqa. You can add a few strands of hair peeking out.
- Final Touches: Use shading to create depth and suggest the texture of the fabric.
Drawing 2: Parvana's Face
This drawing emphasizes Parvana's expression.
- Draw a basic oval: This will be Parvana's face.
- Add features: Draw two large, expressive eyes. Think about the emotions you want to portray – determination, sadness, resilience?
- Nose and mouth: Use simple lines to indicate her nose and mouth.
- Hair: Add a few strands of dark hair around her face.
- Shading: Add shading to create depth and emphasis on her eyes.
Drawing 3: Parvana Reading
This drawing depicts Parvana's love for stories.
- Draw Parvana's body: Use a simple pose, perhaps seated or leaning against a wall.
- Add a book: Draw a simple rectangle or square to represent the book.
- Draw her hands: Show Parvana gently holding the book.
- Draw her face: Focus on the concentration and joy on her face as she reads.
- Add background: You can add a simple background to set the scene.
Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to experiment with different styles and details to create your own unique interpretation of Parvana. The key is to capture her spirit and resilience, even in simple drawings. The lack of explicit physical description allows for a wide range of creative interpretations.
