TED: The politics of fiction | Elif Shafak

The speaker, a storyteller, shares personal experiences and insights into the art of storytelling, emphasizing the power of stories to transcend cultural and social boundaries. She discusses her upbringing in a culturally diverse environment, the influence of her family, and her journey as a writer. The talk highlights the challenges of identity politics in literature and the importance of fiction in connecting people across different cultures. The speaker advocates for writing that expands the heart and imagination, rather than being confined by identity or cultural expectations.

What geometrical shape does the speaker use to illustrate her personal story?

• Square

• Rectangle

• Triangle

• Circle

What lesson did the speaker learn from her grandmother about destroying something?

• Surround it with thick walls

• Ignore it completely

• Surround it with love

• Expose it to sunlight

How did the speaker's early writing experiences begin?

• Writing about historical events

• Writing about imaginary friends

• Writing about other people and fictional events

• Writing about her daily life

What stereotype did the speaker encounter about Turks during her school days?

• They are all musicians

• They are all heavy smokers

• They are all artists

• They are all athletes

What does the speaker say about writing in multiple languages?

• It is unnecessary for storytelling

• It allows her to recreate herself

• It is confusing and difficult

• It limits her creativity

What does the speaker believe about the role of fiction in society?

• It should only entertain

• It should connect people across boundaries

• It should focus on daily politics

• It should remain within cultural norms

What challenge does the speaker mention about identity politics in storytelling?

• It encourages creativity

• It limits the freedom of imagination

• It promotes cultural understanding

• It simplifies storytelling

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe her fiction?

• A spinning top

• A static tree

• A flowing river

• A drawing compass

What does the speaker suggest about the phrase 'write what you know'?

• It limits imaginative literature

• It is the best advice for writers

• It is essential for storytelling

• It encourages creativity

What is the speaker's view on the purpose of stories?

• To connect all humanity

• To remain within cultural boundaries

• To entertain and amuse

• To reflect personal identity