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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 Vasu end up in Nataraj's attic?

2. What does Vasu receive from the forestry department?

3. Why must Nataraj stay hidden behind his blue curtain while the court is in session?

4. How much room does Nataraj need for his printing press?

5. What new problem brought on by Vasu bothers Sastri at the press?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Vasu, what is his history, and what is the first thing he does in his relationship with Nataraj?

2. Explain how Vasu arranges to move into Nataraj's attic.

3. Describe the business that Nataraj runs.

4. What goes on the front room of the shop that Nataraj runs?

5. When Nataraj goes into the attic with Vasu, what does he see? What transpires then between Vasu and Nataraj?

6. What is the affair regarding the septuagenarian and a dog?

7. How does Nataraj feel about Vasu living in the attic as he observes him practicing his profession? Why?

8. What is the financial situation between Nataraj and the adjournment lawyer?

9. What happens when the forestry officer comes to the press looking for Vasu?

10. What does Nataraj do early every morning?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The universe," says Sastri, "has survived all the rakshasas that were ever born. Every demon carries within him, unknown to himself, a tiny seed of self-destruction, and goes up in thin air at the most unexpected moment."

This quote by Sastri represents a central theme of the book: the conflict of good and evil. Write an essay about the sentiment behind this quote.

Part 1. Do you agree with Sastri's sentiment? Does evil carry the seed of its own destruction?

Part 2. Cite other works, religious or fictional, that address this concept. What do they have to say?

Essay Topic 2

The author of The Man-eater of Malgudi is a respected and prolific author. Write an essay about R.K. Narayan.

Part 1. Biography. Where did R.K. Narayan grow up and study? When did he live and what important events did he witness?

Part 2. What influence on his work did the political situation of era he lived in have?

Part 3. What others works has he produced and what recognition has he received?

Essay Topic 3

In the book The Man-eater of Malgudi, Nataraj goes through a transformation. Write an essay about how Nataraj changes from the beginning of the story to the end.

Part 1. In the beginning of the book, what is important to Nataraj? How well does he fit into his community?

Part 2. As the book progresses, what influences exert pressure on Nataraj and induce change?

Part 3. By the end of the book, how has Nataraj changed? What is important to him? How well does he get along with the community around him?

(see the answer keys)

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