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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. How long does Ira's marriage last?

2. In Chapter 12, the workers do something unexpected. What is it?

3. When Arjun and Thambi leave for Ceylon, what is Rukmani afraid of?

4. Who are among the first to work in the tannery?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Old Granny die alone?

4. What advice does Kali give to Nathan and Rukmani regarding Ira?

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

6. When Rukmani and Nathan meet Murugan's wife, what does she tell them?

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

8. Why does Rukmani's mother not approve of her learning to read and write?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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