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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. After Vasu's death, how is business at the press? How does Nataraj spend his time?

2. Why does K.J. come to the press?

3. How does Nataraj's wife change when Rangi comes to visit?

4. What does the chemical analysis determine about the food Rangi had left for Vasu?

5. How does Nataraj's wife feel about Rangi coming to see Nataraj at home?

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 does Sastri learn from Rangi about how Vasu died?

3. Describe the uncomfortable interaction between Nataraj and the poet when Nataraj sees the poet passes by the fountain.

4. How did the police investigation turn out? What was the common belief about Vasu's death?

5. How is Sen able to help Nataraj?

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

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

8. What is Nataraj's first plan to keep Vasu from shooting Kumar?

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

10. What incident with Nataraj happens in the crowds during the mayor's speech?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The green folder with the accounts for the festival is the catalyst for some awkward interactions between Nataraj and Vasu. What role do the festival accounts play?

Part 1. What does the green folder represent? Why is its transference from Nataraj to Vasu important?

Part 2. Vasu never returns the green folder, but rather declares it lost. What is the significance of this?

Part 3. After Vasu's death, Nataraj sees the green folder and carefully takes it back without leaving prints so he won't be accused of stealing. Explain the significance of this scene.

Part 4. When Nataraj finally has the green folder back he still finds very little actual money. Rather, there is just the lists of people who gave money for the festival. Explain the symbolism behind this and the point R.K. Narayan is making.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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