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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. When Muthu comes to the press, what does he ask Nataraj for help with?

2. Where does the group that leaves Nataraj's house go when they leave?

3. What is the overriding emotion in Vasu's plans to shoot Kumar?

4. Who is Kumar?

5. Where does the police inspector hold the investigation into Vasu's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What thoughts consume Nataraj the day of the festival? What action does he take to prevent the thing he fears from happening.

2. What day do they choose for the celebration, and how do they choose it?

3. Why did Muthu come to the press to visit Nataraj?

4. What happens when Nataraj enters Vasu's apartment after hearing about his death?

5. What happens when Nataraj travels to Mempi with the information about the animal hospital?

6. How does Vasu come to help with the collection of funds for the celebration? What do people say about him?

7. How does Sastri say that demons usually meet their demise?

8. What interaction to Vasu and Nataraj have after Kumar and the mahout leave Mempi?

9. What is the celebration that is planned, and who is planning it?

10. What happens when the group with the police inspector go to visit Vasu?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The elephant Kumar was a central character in the book The Man-Eater of Malgudi. Even though he was not an active character, he was one of great importance.

Part 1. Why was Kumar so important? What did he represent?

Part 2. Why did R.K. Narayan choose an elephant for the role of Kumar? Could it have been an tiger? What do elephants in general represent?

Part 3. What saved Kumar in the end? How close was Kumar to being lost? What would have been the symbolic consequences of losing Kumar?

Essay Topic 2

R.K. Narayan portrays and unflattering picture of science and logic in The Man-eater of Malgudi. Write an essay about this topic.

Part 1. What character most represents a scientific and logical standpoint? How does this character get along with those around him? What is he governed by?

Part 2. Who is most counters science and logic in the book? How?

Part 3. Cite some interactions between characters to give insight into the point R.K. Narayan is making about the interaction of the spiritual with logic and science.

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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