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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. Where did Raju learn the story that he tells Velan in the temple?

2. How much did the groom offer to pay Raju's father to keep the equipment?

3. What solution does the school master offer to the children's unwillingness to attend the temple?

4. Where do Raju and Marco meet?

5. Who gave Raju his nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Raju avoid Velan's sister's wedding?

2. How is education viewed up through Chapter 3 of the novel?

3. What transpired between Raju and Rosie in Chapter 5?

4. Why was Raju given his nickname at the railway?

5. How were Raju's business tactics influenced by his father?

6. What is the source of Velan's admiration in Chapter 2?

7. How was Raju always able to offer his customers an answer?

8. How does the structure of the writing style in Chapter 1 portray the inner workings of the protagonist's mind?

9. What does Malgudi represent for Raju?

10. Why does Velan defend his out of town visit early in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What purpose does it serve for the author to continually switch tense and perspective in the narrative? If the author were to use only one perspective through the entire novel, which would be most effective and why? What information would the reader no longer be privy to if the author followed your suggestion?

Essay Topic 2

What changes can be observed in Raju's feelings for the villagers? Cite examples from the text to support the changes you observe. What rationale lies behind the changes in Raju's feelings toward the villagers?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, how did Raju compare to his father in terms of business? What were their similarities and differences? In the end, who was the better business man and why?

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