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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. Where do Sassur and Chandra go on Koly's first day in their home?

2. Why do Sass and Sassur argue after the doctor's visit in Chapter 2?

3. What does Koly hear Sass and Sassur discussing on the evening she overhears them in the courtyard in Chapter 5?

4. What does Chandra ask Koly to do before the family leaves for Varanasi?

5. Who attends the school in Koly's town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the evening of, and the events leading up to, Hari's death.

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

3. Describe Koly's first meetings with her new family.

4. What is Koly's impression of Varanasi?

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

6. How is Hari's death addressed?

7. Describe the events that lead up to an envelope with Koly's name arriving at the Mehta's house each month.

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

9. Describe Koly's wedding gift to Chandra.

10. Explain the importance of Tagore's book of poems in Chapter 4.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The metaphor of Koly as a homeless bird has significance in many places of the story. Choose one of the options below to write about.

1) Analyze the use of animals in the novel to symbolize Koly's plight, to ease her loneliness, and to serve other purposes.

2) Choose two other characters and use a metaphor to describe their situations in the story. Use examples to explain your choices.

3) Describe how Koly's journey towards freedom required her to break out of many cages.

Essay Topic 2

Imagine that the story has taken some different turns and answer the questions below with support for your conclusion:

1) What would have happened if Koly had not traded the silver earrings for the Tagore book?

2) What would have happened if Koly took her pension money back from Chandra's dowry?

3) What would have happened if Koly did not have the ability to embroider?

Essay Topic 3

Ceremonies and rituals are important in Koly's culture.

1) What event in the story has the greatest impact on the plot line? Explain your answer.

2) Describe the rituals surrounding an event in the story. Explain why they are important to the people participating in them.

3) Explain why the temples and shrines served as a backdrop for so much of the story.

(see the answer keys)

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