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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the narrator reveal about Douglas' children in her August 20th journal entry?

2. Where do Olivia and the Nawab first become lovers?

3. What does the doctor at the hospital ward say is wrong with Chid?

4. What does the narrator compare Maji to in her August 31st journal entry?

5. Where does the narrator take a room in the final chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many minor characters in Heat and Dust have an important role in the story and a huge impact on other characters. Choose characters below and discuss the impact or the role that this person has on other characters in the novel.

1) Harry.

2) Maji.

3) Ritu.

4) Mrs. Saunders.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout Heat and Dust, numerous references are made about India and Illness. Locate 3 such references in the novel. Analyze each one for its accuracy based upon the story, the impact this comment has on characters or events, and how the comment impacts the reader's experience of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

In Heat and Dust, the narrator explores the life of a woman who lives in a different era, while living in a culture different from her own. Answer the following questions with these points in mind.

1) Is Ritu's treatment by her husband, mother-in-law and the narrator acceptable? Explain.

2) Why is Olivia's behavior so readily condemned by her English peers?

3) Explain why the old beggar woman who dies in Maji's arms is pivotal to the narrator's journey.

(see the answer keys)

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