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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 does Bim react to her sister's problems at school

2. At lunch that day, what does Bim try to force Tara to eat?

3. How does Aunt Mira treat Baba?

4. What did Mira give the children that their own parents did not?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why does Bim resist everything Tara says and mocks Bakul's words?

6. Why did Tara think her father was trying to kill her mother?

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

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

9. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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)

This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample