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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whose child does Rukmani help birth?
(a) Kunthi's child.
(b) Biswas's child.
(c) Kali's child.
(d) Janaki's child.

2. Who helps Selvam obtain his new position?
(a) Arjun.
(b) Biswas.
(c) Kunthi.
(d) Kenny.

3. How does Nathan characterize Rukmani?
(a) Ignorant.
(b) Tired.
(c) Lazy.
(d) Clever.

4. Even though Rukmani has to sell her vegetables in the village, the family is still grateful. Why?
(a) They are building a bigger house.
(b) They are held in high regard in the village.
(c) They have enough to eat.
(d) They are getting wealthy off of the vegetable sales.

5. As the story opens, what is Rukmani dreaming of?
(a) Nathan being with her.
(b) Moving back to the city.
(c) Seeing her new grandchildren.
(d) Ira's upcoming wedding.

6. What does Rukmani see as a positive result of the foreigners returning to the village?
(a) She can build Ira's dowry much quicker.
(b) The increased traffic in the village will lead to road improvements.
(c) Ira will have many options when choosing a husband.
(d) The new business will create jobs to combat the high unemployment rate.

7. While the local shops struggle, one business flourishes. Which business is doing just fine?
(a) The hospital.
(b) The tavern.
(c) The tannery.
(d) The inn.

8. Where is Rukmani when she meets the other women?
(a) In the village.
(b) In the fields.
(c) In her home.
(d) At the brook.

9. Why are some people surprised when they look at Nathan and Rukmani's daughter?
(a) She is ugly.
(b) She has one arm.
(c) She is bald.
(d) She is beautiful.

10. What nickname does Nathan call Rukmani?
(a) Mani.
(b) Ruku.
(c) Dear one.
(d) Wife.

11. How old is their daughter before Nathan finally starts taking an interest in her?
(a) Ten months.
(b) Two weeks.
(c) Three years.
(d) Twelve weeks.

12. How long does it take the construction workers to build the new establishment in Nathan's village?
(a) Two months.
(b) Two weeks.
(c) One year.
(d) Five weeks.

13. Which one of the villagers is scornful of Rukmani's writing skills?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Janaki.
(c) Kali.
(d) Kunthi.

14. After learning that Nathan killed a cobra, Kali disagrees with his action. Why?
(a) Kali belives that killed cobras are reincarnated as evil people.
(b) Cobras are territorial and now many more will come to the garden.
(c) Kali believes that cobras are sacred.
(d) Cobras are good luck.

15. When the construction workers leave the village, some of the villagers are disappointed. Why?
(a) The village is once again too quiet.
(b) The men told great stories about foreign lands.
(c) The villagers liked the excitement the men brought with them.
(d) The men spent their money lavishly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Nathan's sons do on their one day off from the tannery each week?

2. Whose hut is completely destroyed by the monsoon?

3. What is the result of the strike for Arjun and Thambi?

4. Why do Rukmani's parents arrange her marriage to Nathan?

5. Why does Nathan accept the decision of his sons to leave for Ceylon?

(see the answer keys)

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