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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 Dr. Dutt say is wrong with Uma's mother?

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

3. What does Mrs. O'Henry give Uma?

4. To what does Mrs. O'Henry invite Uma in Chapter 10?

5. What has Mrs. Patton not been able to overcome?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Rod Patton like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What does Anamika's husband say about her death, and how do the neighbors contradict him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapters 1 and 2 define the plight of female children born in India. Families desire male children to continue the family line and do not attempt to conceal their delight when a boy child is born, as in the case with Arun. Female children are raised without the benefit of much, if any, education until they become of age and can leave home in arranged marriages. Uma's disappointment at having to leave the convent school is heightened when Papa does not intervene and save Uma from a fate of domesticity.

a) Discuss the ways in which Uma’s life was affected by being born female in Fasting, Feasting.

b) Discuss the ways in which education would have changed Uma’s life.

c) Discuss the difficulties that Arun faces by being the only male child in his family.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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