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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 one renounces the world, how long must one fast for?

2. From a young age, the monk's father taught him to be what?

3. Why do the Jain monks shave their heads?

4. Why is Master Mohan's wife enraged by Imrat's recording contract?

5. Why is Nitin Bose coming to the guesthouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the father's philosophies on music?

2. What is the fault Tariq Mia observes about the narrator's attempt at enlightenment?

3. What does the narrator believe the purpose or use of the Narmada is?

4. What is the significance of the guns in Chapter 11?

5. What does the narrator enjoy about Mahadeo?

6. What is the Vano ritual of purging a possession and how does it work?

7. What is the legend of the battle at the Narmada riverbank?

8. Why is Master Mohan not well respected?

9. During the time of the elderly woman's story, was she helpless?

10. What new attitude does Nitin develop while managing the tea estate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the errors and successes in the narrator's spiritual journey. Please provide several examples of both errors and successes from the text to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the necessity of "understanding" and "renouncing" the world in "A River Sutra".

Part 1) How must one do this? What is to be gained?

Part 2) How does the narrator attempt this? What are his flaws?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss fact vs. fable in "A River Sutra" and the truth or fiction that can be found in both.

(see the answer keys)

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