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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. When the cashier experiences technical difficulties, what does he consider doing?

2. Although Mr. Salgado goes to the best schools in Colombo, he considers himself what?

3. When Mr. Salgado returns from his trip and finds Joseph first missing and later drunk, what does he do?

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

5. In the story, who is Joseph?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where does this story begin?

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

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

6. In the opening scene, what kind of trouble does the cashier experience?

7. Who is the narrator of the story?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe in detail several of the images the author creates through his narrative to bring the tropical Sri Lankan setting to life for the reader.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Triton's earlier years in Sri Lanka and his later years in England.

1. How does he recreate some of his Sri Lankan existence in England?

2. How does he free himself from the ghosts of his past?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample