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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a chowkidar?
(a) A gateman.
(b) A taxi driver.
(c) A janitor.
(d) A gardener.

2. How old is Radha at the start of the book?
(a) 15 years old.
(b) 30 years old.
(c) 10 years old.
(d) 13 years old.

3. Why did Lakshmi need to visit her new home every other day?
(a) She had to unlock the door and turn on the lights for the builder.
(b) She stored her supplies in her new home.
(c) She would become very depressed.
(d) If she did not, she would have to bicker with the builder, who was quick to cut corners.

4. What is a game that Lakshmi and Samir often play?
(a) Hide and seek.
(b) Cricket.
(c) Trading proverbs.
(d) Tennis.

5. Why was the touching of feet usually reserved for the lower caste?
(a) Feet are considered delicate.
(b) Feet are considered unclean.
(c) Feet are considered ugly.
(d) Feet are smelly.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Lakshmi realize is her “steadfast companion”?

2. What changed everything and changed nothing, according to Part One?

3. When what Goddess comes to give you her blessing, you should not leave the room to wash your face?

4. How does Radha react when Sheela does not want Malik to help them with a design for the Sharma party?

5. Why is Joyce Harris’ life in danger?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Indian parents hurry to marry off their children?

2. What did English tea sets such as Parvati’s signify, both before and after independence?

3. Why does Lakshmi ask Radha to make the henna paste?

4. How does Lakshmi describe Jaipur at the beginning of Part One?

5. What does Radha do to try to remove the curse on her family?

6. Why has shame befallen Lakshmi’s and Radha’s family, based on information given in the Prologue?

7. What led Lakshmi’s and Radha’s father to alcoholism?

8. How is Lakshmi a fallen woman in the eyes of her ladies?

9. Describe the relationship between Lakshmi and her mother-in-law.

10. How did the end of the Singh’s party end in trouble for Lakshmi?

(see the answer keys)

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