View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When it starts to rain, Triton hopes that Joseph ____.

2. Once inside the office, what does the narrator ask the cashier?

3. The region of Sri Lanka that the cashier comes from is once what?

4. How does Triton try to protect himself from Joseph when he's left alone with him in the house?

5. Why does Triton seek refuge in the kitchen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does this story begin?

2. At the end of the first section, what does the narrator begin to talk about with the gas station cashier?

3. What does the London cashier say about the situation back home in Sri Lanka?

4. When he is a boy, why does Triton regard Mr. Salgado's house as the "center of the universe"?

5. At the start of the story, who does the narrator speak with?

6. The narrator speaks with a gas station cashier. How experienced is the cashier with his job?

7. Describe the Volkswagen introduced in the first part of the book.

8. Why does the gas station cashier want the narrator to speak with his boss?

9. When Mr. Salgado leaves for a weekend trip to his cousin's tea estate, what additional responsibilities does he give Triton?

10. What does Triton do right after he fills up the tank of his old Volkswagen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the simplicity of Triton's life as a servant with the deep wisdom he exudes in his narration and philosophical musings. In what ways does Triton exhibit greater wisdom and maturity than the supposedly more important people he's talking about?

Essay Topic 2

Through young Triton's eyes, the reader views his world as filled with promise. At some point, though, the fabric that connects his life with those around him starts to unravel. Discuss in detail when and how a sense of unraveling commences in the narrative.

Essay Topic 3

Through several tense and trying episodes, Triton grows and gains new perspectives on life. Citing a specific example for each character listed, explaining how tense interactions with the following individuals help Triton to develop. What new perspectives does he gain through these difficult encounters?

1. Mr. Salgado.

2. Joseph.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample