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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 Chandra's response when Koly questions her about the widow's pension?

2. How do Chandra and Koly interact in Chapter 4 after Hari's passing?

3. What is Koly's first reaction to seeing Varanasi?

4. What gift does Koly give to Hari when she first goes to his room after hearing his bad cough?

5. Why does Koly get married?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the reaction of Koly's parents to their first meeting with the Mehtas.

2. Explain how Hari and Koly bond in their short first meeting.

3. Describe Koly's wedding gift to Chandra.

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

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

6. Tell about Koly's first meeting with her new husband.

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

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

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

10. Explain Koly''s reaction to hearing Sass and Sassur discuss the use of her widow's pension.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Foreshadowing is used throughout the novel. Select one of the following questions to answer:

1) Discuss examples of foreshadowing involving Raji, Hari, and Koly.

2) What items or objects in the story have foreshadowing linked to them? Choose three items (like the Tagore book, the earrings, a quilt, the rickshaw...) and explain with details.

3) What foreshadowing is evident with these characters: Mala, Sassur, Koly, Mr. Das, Sass, Raji, Hari, Chandra?

(see the answer keys)

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