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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. When the construction workers leave the village, some of the villagers are disappointed. Why?

2. Ira's husband wants to divorce Ira. Why?

3. After the monsoon, what does the family gather when they drain the rice terraces?

4. What do Nathan and Rukmani name their daughter?

5. Which of the women is thrilled that the village has gone from being a simple group of mud huts to a small town?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does Kali give to Nathan and Rukmani regarding Ira?

2. The monsoon season strikes early. How does the village fair?

3. Who are the three women that Rukmani first meets at the river shortly after arriving in Nathan's village?

4. How does Rukmani learn that there is trouble at the tannery?

5. Chapter 3 opens with the village women insisting Rukmani not worry about something. What is she worried about and why?

6. Why does Arjun go to work in the tannery?

7. Why do Rukmani and Nathan not stay with Murugan's wife?

8. When selecting a suitable husband for Ira, Nathan and Rukmani list several requirements of the selected man. When suitable match is found, what requirements does he meet?

9. Why does Old Granny die alone?

10. Is the strike successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Poverty is an overriding theme in the lives of Rukmani and Nathan.

a. Describe how their family was poor. Describe how the family was rich.

b. Give examples of poverty in the lives of the following people:

i. Rukmani

ii. Kunthi

iii. Kennington

c. Compare and contrast city and village life in terms of poverty and wealth.

d. How is city and country life different today?

Essay Topic 2

Both Ira and Kunthi turn to prostitution to earn money.

a. Describe Ira's motives for prostituting her body.

b. Describe Kunthi's motives for prostituting her body.

c. Do their motives make their actions any less objectionable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The book summary describes this story as the story of a woman "whose life was a gallant and persistent battle to care for those she loved."

a. Do you agree or disagree with that description? Why or why not?

b. Give three examples of how Rukmani's life was gallant.

c. What, in your opinion, gives Rukmani the strength to get up and face each day no matter what the circumstances are?

(see the answer keys)

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