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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 his victory, what is Rama presented with?

2. What draws Indrajit’s chariot?

3. What does Prahasta carry in addition to weapons, rockets and poisons?

4. At what time of year does Rama kill Ravana?

5. Where does Pushpaka go after Rama’s coronation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the outcome of Ravana’s conversation with time?

2. What advice does Khumbakarna give Ravana before he goes to fight?

3. What success does Indrajit have on the battlefield?

4. Describe the chariot Pushpaka.

5. Describe the Rakshasis Hanuman sees when he is searching Lanka.

6. How is Ravana killed?

7. How is Indrajit killed?

8. What happens after Hanuman’s tail is lit on fire?

9. Describe the treasure room Vibhishana shows Hanuman.

10. How is this chapter different in this version than it is in the original?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How would you compare the Ramayana to a work of Western myth or religion, such as the Iliad (also about an abducted wife), the Odyssey (about a man’s wanderings) the Aeneid (about great battles) or the Bible (about a culture finding its religion)? Using examples from the text of the Ramayana and the text of a text you are familiar with, describe what kind of culture is encapsulated in the Ramayana.

Essay Topic 3

What topics would you like to research further after reading the Ramayana? Describe why additional research or reading would be beneficial to an understanding of this book. Propose a list of articles or books you would read in order to get a better handle on the Ramayana.

(see the answer keys)

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