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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 does the individual who approaches the cashier and narrator begin to do?

2. How long has the narrator been out of Sri Lanka?

3. What do the police and neighbors discover at house number eight?

4. When Triton takes a small red onion and cuts it into quarters, what does he intend to do?

5. The haberdasher who stops by Mr. Salgado's house on Thursdays is one of the what who stops by regularly?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

6. Where does this story begin?

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

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

9. Describe the relationship between Triton and Joseph.

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

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

Compare and contrast Triton, the narrator, with Mr. Salgado, the main character. Explain their differences and similarities. How does the reader view the world through the lens of the narrator? How does the narrator become one of the story's main characters?

(see the answer keys)

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