View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. While trying to raise money for the rent, how much money does Rukmani sell her clothing for?

2. What does Rukmani tell her family regarding Nathan's death?

3. Who do Nathan and Rukmani meet at the Collector's house?

4. Why does Kenny not help Rukmani when ask. him for food during the drought?

5. Chapter 13 opens by describing an unwelcome event at the farm. What is happening?

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

Both Ira and Kunthi turn to prostitution to earn money.

a. Describe Ira's motives for prostituting her body.

b. Describe Kunthi's motives for prostituting her body.

c. Do their motives make their actions any less objectionable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 368 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample