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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. Why was the touching of feet usually reserved for the lower caste?

2. Why did the elder Mrs. Harris stay on in India after her husband died?

3. Nautch girls would conceal what within the henna design on their bodies?

4. What is a chowkidar?

5. Why is Joyce Harris’ life in danger?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Parvati's reaction regarding Lala's niece and Lala's pleas?

3. What did Munchi give Radha? Why was it so special to her?

4. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

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

6. What deal does Parvati offer Lakshmi regarding the match between Ravi and Sheela?

7. Why does Lakshmi consider Sheela Sharma a good match for Ravi?

8. Describe Sheela Sharma and Ravi Singh. How are they alike? What evidence from the story supports this?

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

10. Why does Lakshmi feel pressure regarding Kanta, as a client?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the main characters from this book and describe his or her character development throughout the story. What leads to this development? How do other characters and the events surrounding him or her influence him or her? Overall, what are your thoughts about this character? Did your opinion regarding this character stay the same or change? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The topic of adoption is significant in this story. Describe the times this story discusses adoption. What is the cultural connection to this idea of adoption? How is the adoption of Radha’s son by Kanta unique? How is this adoption both significant and unusual within the culture and time period of the story? How does the fact that Radha gives her son up for adoption also reflect the culture and time period?

Essay Topic 3

There are several relationships, both romantic and plutonic, between men and women in this story. Choose one on which to focus. Describe the relationship. How do they meet? How does their relationship develop or disintegrate over the course of the story? What leads to this strengthening or destruction of the relationship? What’s your overall view of this relationship? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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