1. Why does Nathan accept the decision of his sons to leave for Ceylon?
(a) Nathan cannot afford to keep feeding his sons.
(b) They are men now and have made their decision.
(c) They are paying Nathan to let them go.
(d) They have been nothing but trouble since starting work at the tannery.

2. After her mother dies, the doctor asks Rukmani what is wrong. What does Rukmani reveal to the doctor?
(a) That she has been ill.
(b) That her marriage is in trouble.
(c) That her mother's death could have been prevented.
(d) That she has no sons.

3. What does Ira tell Sacrabani about his father?
(a) That he is away and will come to them when he can.
(b) That he is dead.
(c) That he doesn't want them.
(d) That he is married to another woman.

4. How old is Rukmani's daughter when her first son is finally born?
(a) Seven.
(b) Three.
(c) Ten.
(d) Five.

5. As Rukmani's family is waiting for the next harvest, even the fish becomes depleted. What does Rukmani do to feed her family?
(a) She draws upon her secret hoard.
(b) She picks and cooks twigs and berries.
(c) She turns to prostitution.
(d) She works for Kenny.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Rukmani complains to the other women about the village's expansion and its resulting noise, Kunthi insults her. What does Kunthi call Rukmani?

2. What is Rukmani doing when she first meets the other women in Nathan's village?

3. How does Rukmani address Nathan?

4. Shortly after Sacrabani's birth, something happens to Nathan for the first time. What is it?

5. When Rukmani reaches Nathan's village, who comes running to meet Rukmani?

(see the answer key)

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