3. As a result of the new company moving into the village, which of the women now has a plan for her sons, as she realizes that the land cannot support all the men farming?

4. Who is the moneylender?

5. What does Ira wear on her wedding day?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Chapter 3 opens with the village women insisting Rukmani not worry about something. What is she worried about and why?

3. Why does Rukmani's mother never reproach her for the long intervals between Rukmani's visits home?

4. When Rukmani first meets the village doctor, why does she stare at him?

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

6. Why is Rukmani disappointed when she sees her first-born child?

7. What is a negative consequence of the construction workers suddenly appearing in the village?

8. What does Rukmani learn from the three women she met at the river about her new home?

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

10. Why does Rukmani feel ashamed after learning from the three women at the river about her new home?

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

Rukmani meets three women at the brook doing laundry shortly after her arrival in the village. These women become important to Rukmani and we see them time and time again throughout our story. Identify and describe these three women. Compare and contrast the three of them with Rukmani.