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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Coomy confess to Jal about caring for their father?

2. When Roxana and her family arrive for dinner, what is Coomy's reaction?

3. What is Yezad's reaction to the customer's offer?

4. What do Coomy and Jal hear Nariman doing whenever they pass the room he stays in while his ankle heals?

5. Who is to play in the afternoon cricket match?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nariman's relationship with his grandsons.

2. Describe the relationship between Nariman and Jehangir.

3. Who is Husain and what is his role in the story?

4. What choices does Coomy make about caring for Nariman at home and why?

5. What do Vilas and Yezad talk about as they return to work after meeting Vilas' two friends? Why is this important?

6. Describe the ways in which Roxana, Jehangir, and Yezad react to Nariman's presence in their home.

7. Who are the Shiv Sena?

8. Describe the living conditions for Nariman Vakeel at the beginning of the novel.

9. What is the significance of Yezad's visit to Villie Cardmaster?

10. What jobs does Vilas Rane hold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the family moves into more comfortable lodgings, begins to have more money, and find other interests, they begin to lose touch with each other and with their own values. Show how this affects the characters individually and as a family. Is this a natural progression of events in this story? Is it true in life as well as in fiction?

Essay Topic 2

Both Yezad and Jehangir turn to dishonest means to make money to help the family. Are they justified in the means they use to acquire extra cash? Why do you think neither one is punished? What do their actions tell you about them and their relation to their family?

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of the story, Yezad scoffs at Coomy's religious practices, but has done a complete turn-around by the end of the story. Trace the changes in Yezad throughout the story, focusing on what caused him to change and whether you think he was always sincere in his beliefs.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 894 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample