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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 Arun do when Melanie responds to seeing him in the woods?

2. With what does Mother Agnes want Uma's assistance?

3. What does Arun have difficulty comprehending?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

a) What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

b) Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Fasting, Feasting, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

c) Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Fasting, Feasting. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Fasting, Feasting interesting. Discuss any two of the following:

a) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

b) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Arun. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

c) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma’s father. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

d) Thoroughly discuss and analyze Uma’s mother. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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