View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. While the local shops struggle, one business flourishes. Which business is doing just fine?

2. Who teaches Rukmani to read and write?

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

4. As the waters rise from the monsoon rains, what does Nathan admit to his family?

5. Why does Ira's husband refuse to take her back?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rukmani begin selling her vegetables in the village?

2. Why do Rukmani and Nathan not immediately return to their village after learning that Murugan cannot be found?

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

4. At the end of the strike's first week, what do the tannery officials announce?

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. When the landlord's assistant comes to collect the rent, he feels bad for Rukmani and Nathan. Why?

7. Who are the three women that Rukmani first meets at the river shortly after arriving in Nathan's village?

8. With only three weeks until the rice is ready for harvesting, what is Rukmani most afraid of regarding Kuti?

9. When Rukmani learns that Ira is barren, what does she immediately think of?

10. The monsoon season strikes early. How does the village fair?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story, we see Rukmani's inner strength as she deals with the various situations that arise in her life. Identify the difficult situations and discuss how Rukmani's strength helps her endure these situations at the following stages of her life:

a. The early days of her marriage, before Ira is born.

b. The days following the monsoon.

c. After Ira moves back in.

d. When their farm is sold.

e. When they are in the city.

Essay Topic 2

Death is one of the themes visited throughout the novel.

a. Kuti, Raja, and Nathan all die in the novel. Describe their deaths. Who were they surrounded by? What circumstances led to their deaths? Could their deaths have been prevented?

b. Compare and contrast the effect each of their deaths has on Rukmani (Kuti, Old Granny, and Nathan).

c. How were deaths handled in the city versus in the village?

d. After Old Granny's death, Rukmani realizes something about the nature of people. What is it? Do you agree with Rukmani? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Old Granny and Biswas are both customers of Rukmani's. Compare and contrast Old Granny and Biswas in terms of their ability to pay, relationship to Rukmani, and standing in the village community.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample