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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. Who arrives at the last moment and is able to get Kumar to stand?

2. When does Rangi come to visit Nataraj?

3. What is the cause for the celebration that Sastri and Nataraj undertake?

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

5. How does Sen help Nataraj?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Sen able to help Nataraj?

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

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

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

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

6. What is the final interaction that Nataraj has with the adjournment lawyer? How is this different than the previous ones?

7. What did the police determine killed Vasu? Who were there suspects?

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

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

10. What happens when Nataraj visits Vasu as the procession approaches?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The story of The Man-Eater of Malgudi takes place in India. Why is India a significant setting for this story?

Part 1. Why did R.K. Narayan choose India to be the setting for this story? Could it have taken place anywhere else?

Part 2. What cultural aspects of India are important for a full understanding of the story?

Part 3. What historical aspects of India are important for a full understanding of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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