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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. For what was it Papa's job to prepare Arun?

2. Around what does Rod Patton's life revolve?

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

4. What is the result of Arun's cooking venture?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Rod Patton like?

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

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

7. Describe Arun's first encounter with Melanie Patton.

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

9. How does Arun feel when he finds Mrs. Patton sunbathing one day?

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

Discuss the following:

a) Who is/are the protagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?

b) Who is/are the antagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?

c) Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot of Fasting, Feasting?

d) Are any of the characters in Fasting, Feasting dispensable? If so, which ones? Why or why not?

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) 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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