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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 does Bim say about rich, fat and successful people?

2. Who does Bim direct her anger to?

3. As a child, what was Tara always expecting?

4. What does Baba say?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

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

6. How does Bim see their childhood?

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

8. On page 115, the children ask Mira why their parents play cards, and Mira thinks the answer is obvious. What do you think is the reason?

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

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

Describe Aunt Mira and her life. Compare her life before she moves into the family home, and afterwards. Discuss the sacrifices she has made, and the rewards received by dedicating her life to the four children.

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

Read over the poetry lines used by the author in this novel, which are used as a plot device. What was the purpose of each insertion into the story line? Does it work?

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This section contains 586 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample