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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. How does the talkative man finally take down the statue of Frederick Lawley?

2. What is Dr. Raman known for?

3. What does the swami want the talkative man to do to him with his engine?

4. How much money does Rama Rao win from the contest each week?

5. Why does Rama Rao and his family have to move out of their home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the talkative man think his luck has changed in "Engine Trouble"?

2. What kind of camp is Ranga taken to?

3. Why is the talkative man unable to run over the swami?

4. What does the cobra symbolize in "The Snake-Song"?

5. What happens when the necklace is found in "Leela's Friend"?

6. What eventually happens to the statue of Frederick Lawley?

7. Why does Thanappa hide some of the mail for Ramanujan's family?

8. What does Ayah have to leave the children and family in her care?

9. What act finally causes Swami to get caned by his teacher?

10. How does the talkative man know how to fend the man-eating tiger off?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a well-written essay, discuss three benefits AND three challenges of constructing a novel entirely of vignettes. Make sure to use examples from "Malgudi Days" to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

In a well-written essay, 1) discuss what message you think Narayan is trying to convey to his reader about fate, 2) at least 2 literary devices Narayan uses to support this position, and 3) whether or not you agree with Narayan's take on fate.

Essay Topic 3

Write a well-constructed essay addressing why the dog returns to the blind man in "The Blind Dog." What message is Narayan trying to convey?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample