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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 was Arun expected to do every night after school?

2. Why is Arun amazed that Mrs. Patton wants to go to the grocery store?

3. Where is Arun's father hoping Arun can continue his education?

4. Where does Mrs. Patton seem to be able to relax?

5. Why does Mr. Patton appear annoyed after he brings the meat in from the grill?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How has Mrs. Patton changed over the course of the summer?

3. What is Arun's reaction to his first trip to the grocery store with Mrs. Patton?

4. What happens one particularly hot and dusty day with Uma?

5. What is Rod Patton like?

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

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

8. What does Uma say about Mira-Masi?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

a) What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

b) Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Fasting, Feasting, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

c) Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Fasting, Feasting. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

a) Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Fasting, Feasting. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Desai chooses the symbols he does?

b) Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Desai chooses the metaphors she does?

c) Discuss Desai's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Desai use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss three of the following:

a) Fully explain why you think Fasting, Feasting is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

b) How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book?

c) Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content?

d) Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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