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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 Devadatta say he will do when Kapila suggests they go see the temples before going to Ujjain?

2. What strange thing do the dolls Devadatta brought from the fair do once Devadatta and Padmini leave?

3. What does Padmini ask Devadatta to do when she finds the dolls torn apart?

4. Why does Padmini tell Devadatta he should avoid showing off his new physical prowess too much?

5. After the baby has grown a little older, where does Padmini wish to take their son, but Devadatta says it is too cold?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Devadatta do while at the fair which is unusual behavior for him, and how does Padmini react to it?

2. After Devadatta and Padmini awake, Devadatta complains his shoulder hurts. Why does it hurst and what does Padmini think of this?

3. What does Devadatta say to Padmini about the life of a Brahmin after she tells him he never goes out anymore?

4. Describe the scene when Padmini sings her son a lullaby just before falling asleep.

5. What error is made when Kali brings Devadatta and Kapila back to life?

6. What temples does Kapila point out while they are stopped on their way to Ujjain, and how does Devadatta react to hearing these names?

7. What does Kapila do after he and Padmini return from their work to find Devadatta is gone?

8. What do the two dolls discuss just before and just after the baby is born?

9. What does the Goddess Kali mean when she says that Devadatta and Kapila lied “to their last breaths” (33)?

10. After finding the child’s dolls torn up, where does Padmini suggest Devadatta do and what does she suggest he get while there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the significance of the title of Hayavadana. How does the title support the overall narrative tone and theme of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the play Hayavadan’s commentary on gender roles. In what ways do the character conform to gender stereotypes of the time and in what ways do they go against these stereotypes?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing Hayavadana’s commentary on religion during that time. Consider the role prayer, gods and goddesses, and temples have in the play.

(see the answer keys)

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