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. After the cashier shares information about himself with the narrator, what does he ask?

2. What does the word "kolla" mean in Sinhala?

3. As a young servant for Mr. Salgado, Triton's regular duties include what?

4. As Triton waits to meet Mr. Salgado, he:

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the relationship between Triton and Joseph.

3. In "Part 1, Kolla", why is Triton left alone in Mr. Salgado's house?

4. Where does this story begin?

5. Who is the narrator of the story?

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

7. Through which character does the author choose to reveal the changing sociopolitical landscape of Sri Lanka across many decades?

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

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

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

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

Describe the relationship between Miss Nili and Triton. How does she try to help him? How does Triton respond? Does he have a secret crush on her? Why or why not? How do his thoughts about her evolve as he grows?

Essay Topic 3

From your perspective, is Mr. Salgado an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist? Support your answer with several examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 765 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample