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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. As the story opens, what is Rukmani dreaming of?

2. How does Nathan characterize Rukmani?

3. In Chapter 12, Rukmani also learns that Selvam is leaving the village. What is his new job?

4. At the beginning of Chapter 4, what news does Arjun bring to the family?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Sacrabani isolated from the other children?

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

3. What is a positive consequence of the construction workers suddenly appearing in the village?

4. Is the strike successful? Why or why not?

5. Why does Selvam's decision to work with Kenny disappoint Nathan?

6. How does Rukmani learn that there is trouble at the tannery?

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

8. When Rukmani and Nathan awaken from their first night's sleep in the city, why do they not eat breakfast before heading out to find their son?

9. At the beginning of Chapter 21, Rukmani says that Selvam has ceased to belong to her and Nathan. Why?

10. After her son's death, why do two tannery officials visit Rukmani?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Nathan is portrayed as a kind, albeit poor, farmer. While this is generally true, the reader learns that Nathan is all too human and makes mistakes too.

a. Describe Nathan's character strengths and character weaknesses.

b. Give three concrete examples from the story that reflect one of Nathan's character strengths from the answer above.

c. Give three concrete examples from the story that reflect one of Nathan's character weaknesses from the answer above.

d. Identify Nathan's greatest mistake. Why does he confess to Rukmani and how does she react to his news?

Essay Topic 3

The book is entitled "Nectar in a Sieve". Why does the author choose this title? How does the title foreshadow the story of Rukmani's life?

(see the answer keys)

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