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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. Which of the children grew up to become exactly what they said they wanted to be as a child?

2. How does Bim handle her anger at Raja for growing up and away from the other children?

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

4. Why is Tara carrying a set of keys on a chain around her waist?

5. How does Bakul treat Tara?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Bim remember the incident where she was stung by bees?

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

3. How was Baba different?

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

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

6. Describe the relationship between Bim and Raja.

7. How does Tara see Aunt Mira?

8. Why does Tara want Bim and Baba to go to the wedding of Raja's daughter?

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

10. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the relationship between Bakul and Tara, using dialogue and action to make your points. In your opinion, did the marriage change when Tara realized how mistaken she had been about her family members all these years?

Essay Topic 2

Read the paragraphs following the moment that Tara, Bakul and the girls leave the family home and Bim and Baba are left sitting on the veranda in the light. How the symbolism and theme of the entire novel represented there?

Essay Topic 3

When Raja and Bim are children, they are close, best friends. As he ages, Raja turns away from Bim, until he finally leaves her. Describe the evolution of this relationship, and your explanation for Raja's decision to leave the family home?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample