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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. What is Raja's favorite hobby at this time?

2. How does Bakul deal with the atmosphere in Tara's family home during their stay?

3. What happens on one of these summer evenings that makes an impression on all of the children?

4. What does she do with the papers?

5. What disease did Aunt Mira nurse Bim and Raja through?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Raja in Bim's eyes until this chapter begins.

2. What is symbolic about Tara holding Bim's hand on the day of their departure?

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

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

5. Describe Bim as Tara sees her in this chapter.

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

7. How does Tara see Aunt Mira?

8. Why does Bim take out her rage on Baba?

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

10. In your opinion, has Bim always been this way and Tara never saw it, or has Bim changed over the years?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel is set over a number of years, but almost always in summer. How does the author use the oppressive heat, the wild noisy birds, and the overgrown foliage to create imagery and the feeling of heavy weight on her characters, their actions and their decisions?

Essay Topic 2

The children are present on the banks of the Jumna River when Hyder Ali Sahib rides by on his fine white horse. How do each of the children remember this incident, and how does it affect them? Describe it from the viewpoint of Raja, Bim, Tara and Baba.

Essay Topic 3

Several minor characters in this novel are highlighted during the novel: Mulk, Dr. Biswas, and Sharma. What role do these characters play in the progress of the plot? What role do they play in accentuating the character development of the main characters?

(see the answer keys)

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