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

Short Answer Questions

1. In celebration of almost having enough money to return to the village, what does Rukmani buy in the city for both Puli and for her grandson?

2. How many rupees do Nathan and Rukmani need for the journey back to their village?

3. Where is Old Granny's body found?

4. How is Ira earning the money she is using to buy food for her brother?

5. Who comes to the farm to collect the rent?

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

There were a number of coping methods that helped the various characters in the story deal with situations in their lives. How did the following people cope? Be sure to describe a particular situation in the story and tell how they dealt with the situation.

a. Rukmani

b. Ira

c. Kunthi

d. Kenny

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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