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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. What role do Rukmani's sons play in the tannery trouble?

2. Even though Rukmani has to sell her vegetables in the village, the family is still grateful. Why?

3. When does Nathan accompany Rukmani into the village?

4. After learning that Nathan killed a cobra, Kali disagrees with his action. Why?

5. At the beginning of Chapter 5, what does Kenny do for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Rukmani and Nathan not stay with Murugan's wife?

2. The farmers gather dung from their fields early each morning. What is the dung used for?

3. What does the doctor tell Rukmani and Nathan about Murugan?

4. Where do Rukmani and Nathan find shelter the first night in the city? Why are they directed there?

5. In Chapter 5 during one of Kenny's visits, he notices that Rukmani is still breast-feeding her three-year-old son. Why?

6. What does Murugan's wife blame for his desertion?

7. Rukmani muses that her husband is indeed a patient man for putting up with her in the early days of her marriage. Why does she feel this way?

8. At first, Nathan pays no attention to his new daughter. Why?

9. In Chapter 14, why does Rukmani give Kunthi what she has demanded?

10. Why does Nathan refuse to eat any of the food that Ira brings into the house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rukmani and Nathan have the opportunity to experience both country and city life in the story.

a. Compare and contrast the living conditions in the city versus the living conditions in the village. Include generosity, living conditions, poverty levels, opportunities, and attitudes in your answer.

b. What are the biggest differences to Rukmani between the city and their village?

c. What, if anything, does Rukmani like about the city?

d. What, if anything, does Rukmani wish would change in the village?

Essay Topic 2

In the Indian village, daughters are seen as a burden, while sons are seen as a benefit.

a. Why are daughters seen as a burden? Give examples from the story to support your reasoning.

b. Why are sons seen as a benefit? Give examples from the story to support your reasoning.

c. Is the same true today, daughters are a burden, while sons are a benefit? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Poverty is an overriding theme in the lives of Rukmani and Nathan.

a. Describe how their family was poor. Describe how the family was rich.

b. Give examples of poverty in the lives of the following people:

i. Rukmani

ii. Kunthi

iii. Kennington

c. Compare and contrast city and village life in terms of poverty and wealth.

d. How is city and country life different today?

(see the answer keys)

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