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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. To what kind of life do Uma and Arun resign themselves?

2. Who is Arvind?

3. What is the result of the birth of Arun on Mama's position in the community?

4. Where is the ashram situated?

5. What is Uma's response when the man interested in marrying her arrives at her house?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Aruna's wedding plans differ from those taken when Uma was to marry?

2. Why do Mama and Papa not approve of Ramu?

3. What do Uma and Ramu do one evening that causes Mama and Papa to be angry?

4. How does giving birth to a male child affect Mama's status?

5. How does Uma feel about Mira-Masi?

6. How does Uma compare herself to Aruna?

7. What is Uma's life like at the home of her new husband?

8. How do Uma and Aruna feel about Anamika's engagement?

9. What does Uma do one night when Mama and Papa have gone out?

10. What does Uma feel about the time she fell into the Ganges and was sinking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author connects Uma's strange, almost epileptic, fits to religious or spiritual events. The first time Uma collapses in one of her fits, she is in the presence of Mother Agnes at the Catholic convent school. Uma spins out of control, writhes on the floor, and shrieks hysterically when Mira-Masi tells Uma that she has the mark of the Lord on her. It is not clear yet why these fits happen at these specific times; but the author may be trying to symbolize Uma's need for release from her imprisoned life. Spirituality may be one method of achieving some sort of freedom. The fits may also symbolize the precipice of a new life for Uma who is likened to an infant when the pilgrim at the ashram hits Uma on the back to restart her breathing just as if Uma is freshly born again.

a) Discuss the reasons Uma’s fits might be considered either an escape or defense mechanism.

b) Discuss the symbolism of Uma’s fits in relationship to life with Uma’s parents.

c) Do you think Uma has control over her fits? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

a) What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

b) Analyze and discuss Fasting, Feasting based upon the criteria you decide upon in a.) and judge if it is a successful novel.

c) Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Fasting, Feasting a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 4 is important because of the presence of Mira-Masi, a strong female character, in Uma's life. Uma is not quite sure why Mira-Masi's visits have always been so appealing, but she begins to understand that Mira-Masi represents an independent female figure that is very rare in Indian society and culture.

a) Do you think Mira-Masi could have done more to help Uma? Why or why not?

b) How did visits from Mira-Masi change Uma?

c) Discuss ways in which Mira-Masi might have been able to use her position in India to help change the plight of women in that country.

(see the answer keys)

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