View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Devadatta tell Kapila that he cannot just write as Kapila suggested?

2. Who does the King decide Hayavadan’s mother will marry according to his story in Act I?

3. Who was Hayavadana’s mother?

4. Who enters first after the Bhagavata completes his song to introduce his story to the audience?

5. After Hayavadana leaves to see the goddess, the Bhagavata begins his story about two friend who forgot themselves after seeing whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Bhagavata tell Hayavadana about the Goddess Kali in Act I?

2. What does the Bhagavata say he thinks perhaps Ganesh’s appearance is to signify?

3. How does Padmini compare Kapila’s cart driving to Devadatta’s while Kapila drives them to Ujjain?

4. What happens when Kapila, Devadatta, and Padmini stop near the Fortunate Flower Tree?

5. Which Goddess does the Bhagavata suggest Hayavada go to remove his horse head?

6. What does the Bhagavata ask Hayavadana when he learns that his head is real and not a mask?

7. What does Devadatta say he is willing to do if the woman he loves would marry him?

8. What does Kapila do or say that suggests Devadatta has fallen in love many times before?

9. What does the Bhagavata order Nata to do after he tells him what he saw on his way to the performance when he stopped to relieve himself?

10. How does The Bhagavata describe Devadatta at the beginning of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the role of the child in Hayavadana. Discuss the life he was born into and the changes that took place after his birth. Consider the confusion about which character is his true father.

Essay Topic 2

Early on in the play the Bhagavata breaks the fourth wall by addressing the audience. What impact does this have on the play? Why do you think the author chose to violate this performance convention.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing the role of sexuality in the play. Consider Padmini’s attraction to both men and her behavior as a result. Consider also that Padmini is a married, pregnant woman and discuss the commentary the author may be trying to make about sexuality.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample