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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 Mrs. O'Henry give Uma?

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

3. What does Melanie vehemently refuse the next morning?

4. How does Arun feel when he goes with Mrs. Patton to the grocery store?

5. What does Uma do that requires some boldness?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Mama and Papa respond to Uma's outburst in Chapter 12?

3. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie to the swim hole even though he does not wish to do so?

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

5. To what does Mrs. O'Henry invite Uma, and what do her parents feel about the event?

6. What does Melanie say in Chapter 25 about her mother's sunbathing?

7. What does Mrs. Patton say upon hearing that Arun is a vegetarian?

8. What is Rod Patton like?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sometimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action-driven, and sometimes it is the other way around. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven? Action-driven? How do you think a plot differs if it is character-driven versus action-driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Fasting, Feasting is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the following:

a) Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

b) What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Fasting, Feasting and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Fasting, Feasting is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

c) Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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