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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 long does Philipose have to wear a sling after he takes a mallet to Elsie's sculpture?

2. What is Joppan's child's name?

3. On which nerve is there a yellow bump in Philipose's brain?

4. At how many feet is Digby's bungalow at Gwendolyn Gardens?

5. In Chapter 54, how long has Anna's husband been missing?

Short Essay Questions

1. In 1959, what schedule does Philipose keep?

2. In 1950, how many funerals has Big Ammachi attended?

3. Where does Lenin go after his family dies, and why is he sent to Parambil?

4. What causes Mariamma to consider becoming a doctor?

5. What happens after Brijee Sarkar harasses Mariamma?

6. What does Mariamma think Lenin should have done instead of joini the Naxalites?

7. How does Parambil thrive under Joppan's care?

8. How does Joppan lose his barge business?

9. How do Ammachi and Baby Mol die?

10. What is Digby's only regret about managing Gwendolyn Gardens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Idioms are words that have a figurative, rather than a literal meaning. How does Verghese use idioms in The Covenant of Water? Why are the idioms sometimes difficult to understand? Why do the idioms often require research to understand their meaning? How do idioms help create word pictures and mental images for readers in a concise manner? How do idioms help readers understand characters, emotions, and ideas?

Essay Topic 2

Novels can be structured and divided in different ways. How does the structure of a novel provide clarity and flow to a story? What are chapter titles? What are some purposes of chapter titles? How does Verghese use chapter titles in The Covenant of Water?

Essay Topic 3

Philipose has been fascinated with Elsie since he first saw her when he was a boy. What are Philipose and Elsie looking for in marriage? Why do they marry one another?

(see the answer keys)

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