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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. Around what does Rod Patton's life revolve?

2. What saves Arun from having to react any further to Melanie?

3. Who is Mali?

4. Where does Dr. Dutt want Uma to work?

5. What does Arun see Melanie eating in the kitchen in Chapter 25?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Rod Patton like?

3. How does Mrs. Patton feel about Arun being in her home?

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

5. How does Arun feel when he receives an aerogramme from Papa?

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

7. Why is Mama suspicious of Mrs. O'Henry's motives in inviting Uma?

8. How does Uma seem different from the other guests at Mrs. O’Henry’s?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Chapter 4 is important because of the presence of Mira-Masi, a strong female character, in Uma's life. Uma is not quite sure why Mira-Masi's visits have always been so appealing, but she begins to understand that Mira-Masi represents an independent female figure that is very rare in Indian society and culture.

a) Do you think Mira-Masi could have done more to help Uma? Why or why not?

b) How did visits from Mira-Masi change Uma?

c) Discuss ways in which Mira-Masi might have been able to use her position in India to help change the plight of women in that country.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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