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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. When Roxana and her family arrive for dinner, what is Coomy's reaction?

2. Nariman exhibits symptoms of the early stages of what disease?

3. Who is the subject of Nariman's flashbacks and dreams?

4. How does Jal explain the constant hammering that Yezad asks about?

5. What does Jehangir reveal to his family that he wants to write a book about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Yezad's solution when both boys want to sleep on the balcony, and what does it tell you about Yezad's character?

2. What do Vilas and Yezad talk about as they return to work after meeting Vilas' two friends? Why is this important?

3. What is one of Coomy's worst fears and how is it realized?

4. What is Nariman's relationship with his family?

5. How has the Chenoy family financial situation affected Murad and Jehangir?

6. What arguments to Vilas and his friends use to discourage Yezad from playing Matka?

7. What is Coomy's excuse for wanting to move Nariman to Roxana's, and what is her real reason?

8. Describe Roxana's relationship with Coomy and Jal.

9. What is the significance of Yezad's visit to Villie Cardmaster?

10. Describe the atmosphere in the Vakeel home after Roxana and her family arrive.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Briefly research the history of Bombay/Mumbai and tell how the social struggle over the name change compares to the struggles within the Vakeel and Chenoy families.

Essay Topic 2

The death of Coomy seems to release the family from some of their stiffness or unease with each other. Jal becomes closer to Roxana and her family, and even Nariman seems to become more animated in his interactions with the family. What was it about Coomy that could have such an effect on the family? Was she conscious of what she was doing, or was Coomy totally unaware of the affect she had on those around her? Use incidents from the story to show how she could have acted differently toward her family.

Essay Topic 3

Compare the differences in Coomy, who seems to have everything, and Roxana, who has to scrape to get by. How does each woman relate to her family? Are the reasons for the differences caused by personality, social standing, security? Discuss which you think is the more balanced and happier of the two and tell why.

(see the answer keys)

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