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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. How does Ponkshe react to Benare's offer to do something for the others in Act one?

2. In Act One, how does Benare express that she likes Samant?

3. Whom does Samant say the green cloth parrot in his hand is for, in Act One?

4. What does Benare say the mock trial that day will be about?

5. Why does Karnik say Kashikar and Mrs. Kashikar are late?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Benare says she forgot a book to read to pass the time before the show, Samant offers her the novel he has with him. Explain how this foreshadows what happens later in the play.

2. Samant enters carrying a lock and key and asks Benare if she caught her finger in the lock when he sees she is sucking on her finger. How does this foreshadow what happens later in the play?

3. Mrs. Kashikar has a garland that her husband bought her but says she forgot to buy one for Benare. What does the garland symbolize?

4. In the opening scene, Benare is flirting with Samant. Provide specific examples of how Benare lets Samant know she likes him.

5. In the opening scene, Benare sings a song in English about a “sweetheart” who “likes my looks” and “wants to marry me.” More than an innocent children’s song, the song may provide insights into Benare’s character and situation. Explain how the song foreshadows what is revealed about Benare later in the play.

6. In the opening scene, Benare and Samant hide and jump out to scare the other characters as the other characters enter, and Benare thinks it is funny that the others are scared. Explain how this contrasts the other characters’ teasing of her.

7. The others decide that Benare should play the accused and what her charge will be when she out of the room in the restroom. Explain what that means for Benare’s character.

8. When Benare states that she often plays games with the children at school, explain how this contradicts her earlier statements about her teaching.

9. Benare asks the other characters to sit like children because she is going to tell them a story. Then, she recites half a poem to them before changing to a song. Describe the other characters’ responses to her and what her performance says about her character.

10. Kashikar repeatedly verbally abuses his wife and son throughout the course of the play. Describe specific examples of how Kashikar is abusive toward his wife.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The overriding plot of the play is the bullying of the central character, Benare, by the other characters. Relate that situation to your own experience being bullied, if applicable, using specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

One could argue that Benare has a contradictory character. Select and describe ways with specific examples in which Benare is hypocritical or contradicts herself. Discuss whether or not her conflicting nature justifies the other characters’ bullying of her.

Essay Topic 3

Traditionally, lawyer for the prosecution and defense attorney are two separate roles. However, in the imaginary play, Sukhatme plays both roles. Discuss how this choice on the part of the author impacts the development of the narrative.

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