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. What vehicle does the narrator own when the story opens?

2. What compensation does Joseph get, and what warning does he get, at the end of "Kolla"?

3. When the cashier mentions the part of Sri Lanka that he's from, what does the narrator think of?

4. 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?

5. The cashier experiences technical difficulties with what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What are young Triton's main duties at Mr. Salgado's house?

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

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

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

8. At the start of the story, how does the narrator try to help the cashier?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Referring to specific passages from the book, explain the commentary the author makes regarding each of the following:

1. Human flaws.

2. Human resilience.

3. The persistence of hopes and dreams.

Essay Topic 2

Explain, in detail, why the following minor characters are important to the development of the story. What does each one contribute to the narrative?

1. Joseph.

2. Lucy-amma.

3. Wijetunga.

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 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample