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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. Which of the following best describes Vasu's presence in the parlor?

2. What makes Vasu change and become soft and agreeable?

3. What does Nataraj answer when Vasu asks him how many people he employs in his press?

4. What are the dynamics between Vasu and the poet?

5. What person does Vasu bring into Nataraj's parlor?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the relationships Nataraj has with the people around him?

2. Describe the business that Nataraj runs.

3. Where does Nataraj seek help in resolving his legal affairs?

4. What is the purpose of the blue curtain separating the two rooms of the printing press, and why is this important to Nataraj?

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

6. Who does Nataraj employ at the printing press? What is his relationship with his hired help?

7. What kind of events unfold in chapter one of "The Man-eater of Malgudi?"

8. How do Sen and Vasu get along?

9. Explain the transaction between Nataraj and the old Moslem.

10. Who does Vasu bring to the press to meet Nataraj, and what happens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the book The Man-eater of Malgudi, the townspeople assume that Nataraj has murdered Vasu. Write an essay about this topic.

Part 1. Why do the people assume Nataraj has murdered Vasu? What is the historical statement that R.K. Narayan is trying to make?

Part 2. How does Nataraj feel about being accused of the murder? What does he do to establish his innocence?

Part 3. If Vasu had been alive when Nataraj went up to his room to save Kumar during the procession, do you think Nataraj would have succeeded? What would the outcome of that show down have been?

Part 4. How does the accusation of murder affect Nataraj after the affair is over? What are the long term consequences for him?

Essay Topic 2

The interactions between Vasu and Nataraj are especially important in The Man-Eater of Malgudi. Write an essay explaining why.

Part 1. Who do Nataraj and Vasu represent? Why are their interactions so important?

Part 2. Find interactions or dialogue between Vasu and Nataraj and analyze it as it relates to historical figures, groups, and events.

Essay Topic 3

A big part of the message in the book The Man-Eater of Malgudi was in the way the book ended. Write an essay about the final happenings of the book.

Part 1. Discuss the symbolic importance of the various characters in the final chapters; Include at least Kumar in the procession, Nataraj at home, Vasu in his attic, Rangi dancing, and the poet's creation at the heart of the celebration.

Part 2. Now discuss the important actions taken by these figures and how they relate to historical events.

Part 3. Discuss the death of Vasu. How many characters tried to protect Kumar from him? Did any of them succeed in taking definitive action against him? What did foil Vasu? What is R.K. Narayan saying by that?

(see the answer keys)

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