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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 does Maricha help Ravana abduct Sita?

2. Who plants the troubling idea in Kaikeyi’s mind?

3. Why does Agastya warn Rama against the Dandaka wood?

4. What does Valmiki say Ravana thought when he looked at Sita?

5. What does Lakshmana propose to do on hearing that Rama is to be banished?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kaikeyi ask for Rama to be sent away?

2. How is Bharata convinced to leave Rama in the forest, and accept the throne of Ayodhya himself?

3. What gift does Indra make to Sita?

4. Describe Dasaratha’s funeral.

5. How does the Ramayana explain where it has its origin as a poem?

6. Describe the wedding of Rama and Sita.

7. Describe the origin of the city of Lanka.

8. Describe Rama and Lakshmana’s training by Viswamitra.

9. What was Ravana’s role in the birth of Rama?

10. What is Bharata’s response when he hears that Dasaratha is dead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways is the Ramayana relevant to contemporary readers? What contemporary issues are in play in the book, and how would the book contribute to contemporary discussion? Cite specific discussions from contemporary sources, and cite specific instances from the book, that describe its contemporary relevance.

Essay Topic 2

What is the primary purpose of the Ramayana? What kinds of purposes does it attempt to serve—explaining the history of the world, describing the right way to live, etc. Using examples from the text, propose one mode that is most important. Be sure to say why the others are not as important.

Essay Topic 3

Write an evaluative review of the Ramayana. What is this book’s place in culture? What are its uses? What are its limitations?

(see the answer keys)

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