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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 color is the narrator's vehicle mentioned at the start of the story?

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

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Who is the narrator of the story?

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

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

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

9. The narrator speaks with a gas station cashier. How experienced is the cashier with his job?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although he starts out without any cooking skills, Triton evolves into an accomplished chef. Analyze how this culinary evolution mirrors Triton's personal transformation with respect to his self-esteem, confidence, and self-perception.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

When she enters his life, and before she leaves him, Miss Nili "rescues" Mr. Salgado. Explain how she does this. Then, explain how the tables turn at the end of the story. How does Mr. Salgado become Miss Nili's rescuer?

(see the answer keys)

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