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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. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie even though he does not want to do so?

2. What is Melanie eating when Arun first sees her?

3. What does Uma notice about Mira-Masi?

4. In Chapter 11, what does Mrs. Joshi encourage Uma to consider doing?

5. What is the implication of Mama's illness for Uma?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Arun feel about his life in the United States?

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

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

4. What is Rod Patton like?

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

6. Why does Arun enter the water so quickly despite not being able to swim well?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

a) Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

b) Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Fasting, Feasting help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Fasting, Feasting? Why or why not?

c) Choose one specific incident in Fasting, Feasting to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

a) Trace and analyze the theme of food and eating in Fasting, Feasting. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with food? Why? What are some symbols of food? Symbols of scarcity? Why is food and eating important in this novel?

b) Trace and analyze the theme of gender roles in Fasting, Feasting. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have an advantage in life due to gender? Why? How are women treated differently than men?

c) Trace and analyze the theme of family dynamics in Fasting, Feasting. What types of family dynamics are illustrated in the book? Are the families dysfunctional? How do family dynamics affect the characters and their responses to life?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

a) What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

b) Analyze and discuss Fasting, Feasting based upon the criteria you decide upon in a.) and judge if it is a successful novel.

c) Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Fasting, Feasting a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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