How do routines contribute to resilience in the memoir?

• A. They obscure emotional threads
• B. They are optional and insignificant
• C. They provide structural stability and a sense of progress in challenging circumstances.
• D. They cause stagnation

Answer: (C)

Routines provide structure and predictability that help people cope with upheaval. In When Stars Are Scattered, life in the refugee camp is uncertain and overwhelming, so regular activities become anchors. When daily tasks and rituals—attending classes, helping with chores, sharing meals, or maintaining small personal routines—are repeated, they create a steady rhythm that calms anxiety by turning the unknown into manageable steps. Each completed routine offers a small sense of progress and control, signaling that life goes on even in tough circumstances. Over time, these repeated actions accumulate into resilience, helping characters adapt when plans shift, resources run low, or new challenges arise. Routines also preserve a sense of self and dignity, reminding people of who they are and what they’re working toward, which strengthens the ability to face hardship.

In contrast, routines aren’t about concealing feelings or freezing growth. They aren’t optional or insignificant; they matter because they structure daily life and provide ongoing opportunities for small wins. And they don’t cause stagnation—steady, purposeful routines can foster momentum and hope amid disruption.