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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. How did Rajaram kill the beggars whose hair he stole?

2. In his letter to Dina, when does Maneck say that he will be returning?

3. How does Nusswan feel about having Dina back in his home at the end of the novel?

4. Who do Om and Ishvar recognize as a performer at the relocation camp?

5. Which character plunges his fingers down his throat to clear out excess bile?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Dina purchases a bottle of vermifuge and gives a dose to Om?

2. Why does Rajaram want to move to the Himalayas?

3. What happens when the Beggarmaster comes to visit the relocation camp in Chapter 9?

4. What does Dina do around the house when the tailors are off searching for a house, and how does she react when they return?

5. Why are the police called to Shankar's funeral?

6. Why does the Beggarmaster leave Shankar on the streets even after it is revealed that they are brothers?

7. How does Ishvar lose his legs?

8. How does Ibrahim react after Dina's apartment is destroyed?

9. How does the reunification between Dina and Maneck transpire?

10. Why does Dina lose her apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The societal structure set up in the novel is one of authority. It seems that most people want authority over others, and once they have it, find themselves exploiting it. Choose one relationship with the novel and explain how both authority and exploitation are large factors in the way that these two people relate. Does it seem that only one person is benefiting in the relationship, or is it possible to find a balance, even when exploitation is involved?

Essay Topic 2

Dina Dalal is described as a very tough woman. There have been many mishaps in her life that have shaped her. Describe two incidents in Dina's life that have shaped her into the independent woman that she is. Also, compare/contrast Dina's relationships with her brother Nusswan and Rustom. Which relationship do you think had a larger impact on her?

Essay Topic 3

Dina's character changes quite a bit when it comes to her ability to love.

Part 1.) Explain why you think Dina was initially so cold to the tailors.

Part 2.) Explain the ways that the tailors won Dina over, warming her heart.

Part 3.) Explain the outcome of this changing relationship. Who do you think the love benefited more?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 745 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample