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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As a child, what was Tara always expecting?
(a) To be disappointed
(b) To be punished by her parents
(c) To find a treasure or become a princess
(d) To find out she was adopted

2. When was the last time that Bim has seen Raja?
(a) Last year
(b) Just after the birth of his third child
(c) Last week
(d) Just after he was married and his first child was born

3. When Bakul sees Bim at her desk the next morning and offers to help with speaking to Sharma, what is her reaction?
(a) Bim says she is going to sell the family shares to the business
(b) Bim asks him to speak to Sharma
(c) Bim pretends there is no problem
(d) Bim thanks him for his concern

4. What does Tara see in Bim that she never saw before?
(a) Beauty and peace
(b) Inability to understand simple concepts
(c) Hatred of Baba
(d) Meanness, cruelty, shaking, talking to herself and hoarding money and food

5. How was Mira treated by her husband's family after he died?
(a) With respect and love
(b) As if she were a valued member of the family
(c) As if she were their slave
(d) As if she were the Queen of India

Short Answer Questions

1. While they are still children, what childish claim to fame does Raja have?

2. How does Bim treat Tara, even as an adult?

3. How does Bakul treat Tara?

4. What does Bim tell Tara to tell Raja?

5. What does Bim say when Bakul suggests she talk with Raja before selling?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the episode with the cow so important to this novel?

2. Describe Aunt Mira as she is in this chapter

3. What difference does Aunt Mira make in Baba's life?

4. How does Tara see their childhood?

5. What is the symbolism of Bim tearing up Raja's old letter concerning the rent?

6. What is the symbolism of Tara's words to Bim pouring out of her quickly on the day of her departure?

7. Why does the author use the episodes of the mad dog, the young teacher, and the bees to describe Tara's character?

8. Describe the relationship between Bim and Raja.

9. How was Baba different?

10. Why is Bakul so shocked when Bim says she has made a decision?

(see the answer keys)

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