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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. What about Mr. Salgado captivates young Triton when they first meet?

2. The cashier experiences technical difficulties with what?

3. What does the cashier confirm to the narrator?

4. How long has the cashier been out of Sri Lanka?

5. One night, Triton dreams that there is a demon in the house, and in the morning he oversleeps. What does he tell Mr. Salgado that morning?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. During their first meeting, how does Triton reply when Mr. Salgado asks if he's been to school?

3. What happens when Mr. Salgado returns home from his trip to the tea estate?

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

5. Why is young Triton brought to Mr. Salgado's home?

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

7. In the opening scene, what kind of trouble does the cashier experience?

8. Who is the narrator of the story?

9. Describe the relationship between Triton and Mr. Salgado.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain what makes this a "coming of age" story about Triton, the narrator. Cite specific examples. Analyze three important lessons Triton learns as he grows up in Mr. Salgado's unique household. Do you feel he learns these lessons if he instead stays home with his family? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use a story told by a former servant boy as a tool to educate readers about the nation of Sri Lanka, including its culture, people, geographical attributes, and recent social and political unrest? Do you feel this is an effective tool? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 877 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample