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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 Nataraj promise the Septuagenaraian in order to appease him?

2. After the court summons, what is the next thing official thing to arrive for Nataraj in a brown envelope?

3. How does Nataraj fear the housing affair with Vasu will end?

4. What action does Nataraj take regarding Vasu?

5. What is the first action of Vasu in The Man-eater of Malgudi?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What was the bus ride back to Malgudi like for Nataraj?

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

5. How does Vasu get along with the poet and Babu? Give examples.

6. What does Nataraj do early every morning?

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

8. How does the business transaction unfold between Nataraj and Vasu?

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

10. What is in the second brown envelope that arrives for Nataraj and who is it from? What does he promise in response to it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Man-Eater of Malgudi, Vasu is labeled as a rakshasa that wreaks havoc and destruction wherever he goes. Write an essay about the destruction caused by Vasu.

1. Vasu causes destruction even as his livelihood. Write about the destruction Vasu causes in his pursuit of taxidermy, including both the initial damage and the consequences affecting those around him.

2. In what other ways does Vasu cause destruction? What are his intentions? Does he see the destruction he generates?

3. What is the destruction as seen by the eyes of Nataraj? What is the worst, according to him?

Essay Topic 2

Consider this famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated."

Part 1. Do you agree with the quote? Why or why not?

Part 2. Why is this theme central to the story The Man-eater of Malgudi?

Part 3. How does the treatment of animals help define the characters of Nataraj and Vasu?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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