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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 event at school upsets Tara so much she lies to avoid it?

2. What does Baba say?

3. What does Bim do that evening to help calm her mind?

4. After she speaks to Baba, who does Bim seek out to vent her anger?

5. That night on the veranda, what does Tara become upset about and apologize for?

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 the relationship between Bim and Raja.

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

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

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

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

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

8. How was Baba different?

9. How did Tara remember the incident when Bim was stung by bees?

10. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

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

Tara is a very sensitive soul. Incidents that seem trivial to others become major events and obstacles for Tara. Why do you think this is? What steps could she take to become stronger and more accepting about life?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the predominant themes of this novel and explore how the author presented the theme via dialogue, symbolism, characters, etc.

(see the answer keys)

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