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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 do Mama and Papa feel about Uma’s invitation from Mrs. O'Henry?

2. What does Arun notice as he escapes the Patton's arguing?

3. What particularly strikes Arun as he is walking to the Patton home?

4. What does Rod ask Arun to join Rod and do?

5. Why does Arun jump into the water and lands in a belly flop?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the cashier at the grocery store upset Mrs. Patton and what does she ask Arun concerning the situation?

2. What do Arun and Mrs. Patton have in common?

3. What does Dr. Dutt want when she comes one day to visit?

4. What is Rod Patton like?

5. What does Arun discover when he takes a walk into the woods?

6. What does Mrs. Joshi suggest that Uma consider, and what are Uma's thoughts about it?

7. What does Arun think upon walking to the Patton house for the first time?

8. What does Arun try to get the courage to tell Mrs. Patton?

9. What does Mrs. Patton encourage Arun to cook?

10. What does Arun receive from Uma before he moves out of the Patton home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author connects Uma's strange, almost epileptic, fits to religious or spiritual events. The first time Uma collapses in one of her fits, she is in the presence of Mother Agnes at the Catholic convent school. Uma spins out of control, writhes on the floor, and shrieks hysterically when Mira-Masi tells Uma that she has the mark of the Lord on her. It is not clear yet why these fits happen at these specific times; but the author may be trying to symbolize Uma's need for release from her imprisoned life. Spirituality may be one method of achieving some sort of freedom. The fits may also symbolize the precipice of a new life for Uma who is likened to an infant when the pilgrim at the ashram hits Uma on the back to restart her breathing just as if Uma is freshly born again.

a) Discuss the reasons Uma’s fits might be considered either an escape or defense mechanism.

b) Discuss the symbolism of Uma’s fits in relationship to life with Uma’s parents.

c) Do you think Uma has control over her fits? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

a) Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Will Desai. What in Desai's background may have helped her in writing Fasting, Feasting? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

b) Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

c) What does the term "author agenda" mean?

d) Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Desai's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Desai's probable agenda concerning that idea.

e) Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface? Why or why not?

f) How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author? Explain your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

a) Who is/are the protagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?

b) Who is/are the antagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?

c) Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot of Fasting, Feasting?

d) Are any of the characters in Fasting, Feasting dispensable? If so, which ones? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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