View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many older sisters does Rukmani have?
(a) One.
(b) Two.
(c) Four.
(d) Three.

2. How old is Ira when she is given in marriage?
(a) Sixteen.
(b) Fourteen.
(c) Twelve.
(d) Twenty.

3. Who helps Selvam obtain his new position?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Arjun.
(c) Kunthi.
(d) Kenny.

4. How does Rukmani address Nathan?
(a) She calls him "Sir."
(b) She calls him "Nathan."
(c) She calls him "Husband."
(d) She calls him "Master."

5. In what month is Ira married?
(a) August.
(b) June.
(c) April.
(d) October.

6. What nickname does Nathan call Rukmani?
(a) Mani.
(b) Ruku.
(c) Dear one.
(d) Wife.

7. How old is their daughter before Nathan finally starts taking an interest in her?
(a) Ten months.
(b) Twelve weeks.
(c) Three years.
(d) Two weeks.

8. Nathan hangs a garland of mango leaves across the doorway to welcome Rukmani to her new house. What do the mango leaves symbolize?
(a) Happiness and good fortune.
(b) Wealth and long life.
(c) Good fortune and many children.
(d) Long life and happiness.

9. When Rukmani becomes sick as she leaves her parents' home, what is her new husband's reaction?
(a) He soothes her.
(b) He yells at her.
(c) He returns to her parents' home.
(d) He ignores her.

10. What name do Rukmani and Nathan give to their son?
(a) Nathanson.
(b) Biswas.
(c) Arjun.
(d) Kennington.

11. While the local shops struggle, one business flourishes. Which business is doing just fine?
(a) The hospital.
(b) The tannery.
(c) The inn.
(d) The tavern.

12. Who is the moneylender?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Hanuman.
(c) Kali.
(d) Janaki.

13. Which of Rukmani's sons always has a book or two nearby and has learned to read and write to a far greater level that what his mother taught him?
(a) Selvam.
(b) Irawaddy.
(c) Arjun.
(d) Thambi.

14. What fruit does Rukmani first grow that earns Nathan's praise?
(a) An orange.
(b) A pumpkin.
(c) A kiwi.
(d) A mango.

15. In Chapter 12, the workers do something unexpected. What is it?
(a) They work for free.
(b) They stage a sit-in.
(c) They burn the tannery.
(d) They strike.

Short Answer Questions

1. As the waters rise from the monsoon rains, what does Nathan admit to his family?

2. Why do the village women think Kunthi is quieter and more reserved than the rest of the women?

3. Why does Ira's husband refuse to take her back?

4. What do the Arjun and Thambi do with their wages each week?

5. What is Rukmani doing when she first meets the other women in Nathan's village?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 473 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample