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

2. In this chapter, what does Tara apologize to Bim for?

3. What did Raja want to be when he was grown up?

4. While they are still children, what childish claim to fame does Raja have?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Bim and Raja.

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

3. Describe the children's mother

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

5. How was Baba different?

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

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

8. How does Tara see Aunt Mira?

9. How was Mira treated by her dead husband's family?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Raja admires Hyder Ali Sahib from the moment he first sees him. How did Hyder Ali Sahib's attention to the young Hindi man affect Raja's life?

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

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 620 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample