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

2. What is Baba's reaction?

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

4. When Tara is speaking to Bakul about her realizations about her sister, what is Bakul thinking about?

5. What did Tara think was happening?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bim see their childhood?

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

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

4. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

5. What is the symbolism the author is relaying when she describes childhood games where the sisters are never able to catch their older brother?

6. Describe Aunt Mira as she is in this chapter

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

8. How does Tara see Aunt Mira?

9. How does Tara see their childhood?

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

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

The author uses many symbols in the book to create a sense of place. Describe several of these, including the family pets, the garden path, and the unrest in the city.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 562 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample