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

2. After the marriage, Rukmani sees her new home. What is it like?

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

4. Why does Rukmani take Ira to see Kenny?

5. Who does Rukmani trust to find a suitable husband for Ira?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What realization does Rukmani find ironic as she mourns for Old Granny?

3. In the early days of their marriage, Rukmani and Nathan feel blessed. Why?

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

5. When Nathan questions why Rukmani is grieving, what does she tell him?

6. At the beginning of Chapter 28, Rukmani is very excited. Why?

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The book summary describes this story as the story of a woman "whose life was a gallant and persistent battle to care for those she loved."

a. Do you agree or disagree with that description? Why or why not?

b. Give three examples of how Rukmani's life was gallant.

c. What, in your opinion, gives Rukmani the strength to get up and face each day no matter what the circumstances are?

(see the answer keys)

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