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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. Describe the pianos that the Nawab shows to Olivia.

2. What is a sadhu?

3. What is the relationship between Tessie and Beth?

4. Why does Harry tell the narrator and Mrs. Crawford that he has only been to the Nawab's mountain chalet once?

5. Who says she came to India to find peace, but only got dysentery?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Inder Lal's mother take Ritu on the pilgrimage?

2. Describe Olivia and Douglas's relationship in Section 23.

3. Why does Olivia write to Marcia in Section 16?

4. How do Inder Lal and the narrator become closer at their visit to the Nawab's palace?

5. Explain how the narrator tells Chid and Inder Lal about her pregnancy in Section 28.

6. What kind of a person is Chid when the narrator first meets him in Section 7?

7. Why is the location of the narrator's first act of intimacy with Inder Lal significant?

8. Explain the phrase, "Things get mixed up in India."

9. What does Inder Lal think of India?

10. Describe the relationship between Inder Lal's mother and Ritu.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of Heat and Dust is the study of contrasts between the Eastern and Western cultures. Explore that concept as you answer these questions:

1) What preconceived notions do the English in Olivia's time bring with them to India that shape their experiences in that culture? Use at least 3 specific character examples in your answer.

2) How do the Nawab and Chid adapt to cultures that are different from the ones they were raised in? What effects do their actions have on them and on those around them?

3) How do Harry and Maji represent the clash of, or integration of, different cultures in this story?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the role of faith in Heat and Dust. Select one of the questions to analyze.

1) How does the narrator's faith or lack of faith impact her experiences and expectations in this story?

2) How does the narrator's faith in herself or in others change the direction of the novel at an important point or points?

3) Which character in the story has the strongest faith? The weakest?

Essay Topic 3

The relationships explored in Heat and Dust span generations, cultures and bloodlines. Of course, the connection between Olivia and the narrator is intriguing as they are not related by blood, and will never meet, yet Olivia's life is having a strong impact on the narrator's. Analyze the following aspects of this unique relationship.

1) Is Olivia a good person? Is the narrator?

2) Is it disloyal of the narrator to give so much attention and energy to the woman who betrayed her grandfather?

3) How would the story be different if the narrator was able to meet Olivia?

(see the answer keys)

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