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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. Viswamitra decides to create his own heaven and universe, and makes it upside-down so __________ will feel right-side up.

2. What does the goddess Devi wield in each arm?

3. What great sage is master of the Sanjivini mantra in Yayati?

4. Who is the presiding god of wisdom and acumen in Yayati?

5. Every demon, according to the storyteller, seeks what in Devi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the third test which Chudala places on her husband? What comes of it?

2. How does the story Devi conclude? Who kills Mahisha?

3. What does King Chedi come upon in the beginning of Viswamitra?

4. What is the objective of Mahishasura, according to the storyteller in the beginning of Devi?

5. Discuss the themes and plots within the story Yayati. What unites the story?

6. What does Mahisha grow up to be like, in Devi? Why does Indra stand against him?

7. What happens when Kacha decides to return to the god-world in Yayati?

8. What conversation does Iswara have with Vasishta in Viswamitra?

9. Describe Sikhi-Dhvaia in the beginning of Chudala. How old is he?

10. How is Devi created? What is her appearance like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the desire for immortality by the asuras in Devi. What is the driving force of "evil," according to R. K. Narayan's perspective? What defines "good"?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Manmata's creation to that of Eros or Cupid in Greek and Roman mythology. In what ways is Manmata like Cupid? How does he differ?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the Ramayana and Mahabharata. How many stories in Gods, Demons, and Others are derived from these texts? When were they written?

(see the answer keys)

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