1. What does Nathan do ten days after the birth of his son?
(a) Holds a celebratory feast.
(b) Baptizes his son.
(c) Offers sacrifices to the fertility gods.
(d) Has the child circumsized.

2. When the villagers learn that Rukmani can write, there are mixed reactions. Which one of the villagers marvels at Rukmani's writing skill?
(a) Kali.
(b) Biswas.
(c) Janaki.
(d) Kunthi.

3. Even though Rukmani has to sell her vegetables in the village, the family is still grateful. Why?
(a) They have enough to eat.
(b) They are getting wealthy off of the vegetable sales.
(c) They are building a bigger house.
(d) They are held in high regard in the village.

4. What does Rukmani do when she finds the creature in her garden?
(a) She touches it.
(b) She writes about it.
(c) She kills it.
(d) She feeds it.

5. How far have the construction workers traveled to reach the village?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) Seventy kilometers.
(c) One hundred miles.
(d) Three days.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Rukmani complains to the other women about the village's expansion and its resulting noise, Kunthi insults her. What does Kunthi call Rukmani?

2. How does Nathan characterize Rukmani?

3. Who is the moneylender?

4. Nathan hangs a garland of mango leaves across the doorway to welcome Rukmani to her new house. What do the mango leaves symbolize?

5. Why does Kali warn Rukmani to not let her daughter start walking so early?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 276 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample