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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 is Mr. Salgado associated with the narrator?

2. The cashier tells the narrator that he, too, has a:

3. Who used to own the car that belongs to the narrator at the start of the story?

4. How does Joseph react when Triton shortens the broom handle?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the narrator of the story?

2. Why does Triton often seek refuge in Lucy-amma's kitchen?

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

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

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

6. Describe the relationship between Triton and Joseph.

7. What happens in 1962, when Triton's narration begins?

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

9. Where does this story begin?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A prominent symbol used throughout this book is the ocean. Explain what the ocean represents in terms of:

1. The main characters' lives.

2. The changing social and political climate of Sri Lanka.

3. Personal growth and transformation.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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