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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 is Hari given upon arriving at the place where his family stays in Varanasi?

2. Why does Koly's father tear up on the day of her wedding?

3. What remedy does Koly give Hari for his cough during their first meeting after being married?

4. Why is a doctor called on Hari's first night in Varanasi?

5. How is Hari taken to the river?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the role of women in India at this time depicted in Koly's role at Chandra's wedding?

2. Describe Koly's first morning as a married woman.

3. Explain why Hari and his parents are arguing on Koly's second night in her new home.

4. Explain how Koly's parents earn income for the family.

5. Describe Koly's prospective husband and family, and explain why this is considered a good match.

6. How does Sass justify her refusal to give Koly her pension money when Koly tells her she wants it?

7. Explain how Koly's marriage is expected to benefit her family.

8. Explain what Hari's doctor has to say about the family's trip to the Ganges, and his parents' response.

9. Explain Chandra's expectations of her family's trip to the Ganges River.

10. In Chapter 2, Koly learns details of her marriage and Hari's illness from Chandra that greatly upset her. Explain.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sass is depicted as the epitome of an evil mother-in-law, while Sassur seems to be the stereotypical weak husband who lets his wife make all the decisions.

1) What would happen differently in the story if Sass was kind and yielding, and Sassur bitter and resentful toward Koly?

2) What positive outcomes are there for Koly that stem from negative events between her and Sass? Be specific.

3) Sass and Koly end up in the same position, as widows, yet Sass does not seem to soften her heart to Koly at all. Does Sass deserve to end up in this position? What do you predict lies in her future?

Essay Topic 2

Tagore's book of poems is an object of great importance to Koly.

1) Describe how this book helps her find her way to freedom, independence, and happiness.

2) Describe the cost of obtaining this book to Koly.

3) Explain what the Tagore book means to Koly, Sass, and Sassur.

Essay Topic 3

Different characters in the novel view their responsibilities in different ways. Choose three of the characters listed and discuss their definitions of responsibility, family, and honor in the novel. Choose from these characters: Koly, Sass, Sassur, Koly's mother or father, Maa Kamala, Raji, and the benefactor of the widow's home.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,295 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample