Slumdog Millionaire Perseverance

While there is certainly something to be said for the role of fate and destiny in Slumdog Millionaire, Jamal's perseverance in the face of incredible hardship can't be understated.

He believes wholeheartedly in his mission to find and ultimately rescue Latika, and will do whatever it takes to succeed. To say that his road is rough is an understatement; Jamal must overcome the death of his mother, destitute poverty, the wrath of sadistic slumlords, and even torture at the hands of the police, to achieve his goal. Yet Jamal, our scrappy, resilient hero, just won't take no for an answer.

Questions About Perseverance

1. What unique character traits and qualities allow Jamal to persevere against all odds?
2. Salim and Latika have no shortage of obstacles to overcome in their own lives—how do they persevere as well?
3. What can we learn from the characters of Slumdog Millionaire about achieving our goals?

Chew on This

Jamal's success in reuniting with Latika has nothing to do with destiny or fate, and everything to do with his relentless devotion to this quest.

Latika, too, has been able to persevere in her own way, doing whatever is in her power to survive in an extremely dangerous world.