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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 does Deven do with the bill Nur had sent him for the interview room they rented?

2. What does Siddiqui ask Deven when he tells him he has worked hard but has been cheated by everyone along the way?

3. What is happening at Siddiqui's house when Deven goes to see him in Chapter 11?

4. What does the registrar, Mr. Rai, tell Deven and Siddiqui regarding the annual board meeting?

5. What shape is Deven's house in when he finally arrives after he has been away interviewing Nur?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Murad behave in the shop when he and Deven meet to purchase the tape recorder?

2. How is Raj described? In what way was Deven's friendship with Raj different from his friendship with Murad?

3. Describe Siddiqui's house. Why does he live there?

4. What does the old woman tell Deven she can do for him to help him interview Nur?

5. Though Deven goes to Nur's at a time when the is sure he should be alone, he finds a large crowd. Why are they there?

6. What does the old woman, who Deven assumes must be Nur's first wife, tell Deven about Imtiaz when she is ill in Chapter 7?

7. What information does Nur's first wife want Deven to include in his letter to her telling her when he can interview Nur?

8. What errors does Chiku make as the person in charge of recording Nur's interview?

9. What happens when Deven brings his host a basket of fruit as a thank you? How does Deven feel about this and why?

10. What happens when Deven and Murad listen to the tapes of his interview with Nur? What does Murad suggest Deven do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Desai’s focus on the theme of being trapped as presented in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay comparing and contrasting Deven and Siddiqui in In Custody. What is their background? How do they know each other? How do they interact? In what ways are they similar or different? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing the symbolic significance Deven's economic status has on the story. Why is this important and how does it develop the themes of the story? What would be different if Deven were wealthy? Use examples from the text to support your viewpoint.

(see the answer keys)

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