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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What affliction is Ira's son born with?

2. While still living in the city, who do Rukmani and Nathan entrust their money to while they go to work each day?

3. Who do Rukmani and Nathan share their rice with at the temple?

4. What does Ira name her son?

5. Why does Kenny not help Rukmani when ask. him for food during the drought?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Two women are generous and kind to Rukmani when she desperately needs it.

a. Compare and contrast Old Granny and Brila.

b. How do they each care for Rukmani?

c. What do they each provide for Rukmani?

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

Nathan is portrayed as a kind, albeit poor, farmer. While this is generally true, the reader learns that Nathan is all too human and makes mistakes too.

a. Describe Nathan's character strengths and character weaknesses.

b. Give three concrete examples from the story that reflect one of Nathan's character strengths from the answer above.

c. Give three concrete examples from the story that reflect one of Nathan's character weaknesses from the answer above.

d. Identify Nathan's greatest mistake. Why does he confess to Rukmani and how does she react to his news?

(see the answer keys)

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