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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 Uma notice about Aruna in Chapter 8?

2. Where does Anamika live after marriage?

3. Where do both families go when Aruna and her in-laws are visiting?

4. What stands in stark contrast to Uma's wedding plans?

5. What does Uma collect?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Aruna comes to visit her family several years after her marriage?

2. What does Mira-Masi tell Uma one day about the mark of the Lord, and how does Uma react?

3. How does Aruna feel about Uma's lack of marriage prospects?

4. How does Mama and Papa's moods affect the rest of the household?

5. What happens when Aruna comes of age for marriage?

6. Why do Mama and Papa not approve of Ramu?

7. Who are the main Indian characters?

8. How is Anamika's life after her marriage?

9. How do Aruna's wedding plans differ from those taken when Uma was to marry?

10. Why does Papa want the family to eat meat, and who will not do so?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapters 1 and 2 define the plight of female children born in India. Families desire male children to continue the family line and do not attempt to conceal their delight when a boy child is born, as in the case with Arun. Female children are raised without the benefit of much, if any, education until they become of age and can leave home in arranged marriages. Uma's disappointment at having to leave the convent school is heightened when Papa does not intervene and save Uma from a fate of domesticity.

a) Discuss the ways in which Uma’s life was affected by being born female in Fasting, Feasting.

b) Discuss the ways in which education would have changed Uma’s life.

c) Discuss the difficulties that Arun faces by being the only male child in his family.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

a) Compare/contrast the characters of Uma and Arun. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

b) Compare/contrast the characters of Uma and Uma’s mother and father. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

c) Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Fasting, Feasting help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Fasting, Feasting interesting. Discuss any two of the following:

a) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

b) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Arun. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

c) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma’s father. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

d) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma’s mother. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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