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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. What is a chowkidar?

2. What welcomed the bounties of Goddess Lakshmi? This is what Lakshmi created for the Sharma family.

3. What are those who spread false information called in the book?

4. In the story of the goddess Lakshmi, what does the farmer give in return for a magic basket that produced food anytime he desires?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is the match between Sheela and Ravi so important to Lakshmi?

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

5. What are some etiquette lessons that Lakshmi is trying to teach Radha?

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

7. What does Radha do, when Mrs. Iyengar enters the room, to cover up Mrs. Harris’ groans?

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

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

10. Describe the Old Pink City.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the writer want the reader to get out of this book? What is her purpose for writing this novel? Has she succeeded? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

The definition of having wealth changes over the course of the story. How might wealth be described early on, especially by those in the high castes and by Lakshmi herself? How does this definition change over time? What does Lakshmi feel is important at the beginning of the story versus at the end? How does the author show the lack of wealth by those even in the higher castes? How does this relate to the Hindu Proverb from the Epigraph?

Essay Topic 3

What is misogyny, and how is it displayed in this story? How does it affect the lives of both the men and women in this story? Misogyny is currently a big issue in our own culture that has led to the #MeToo Movement. What is the #MeToo Movement? How is it important and impactful on our current culture? How is it affecting young people? Could this lead to major changes in our world and the ending of misogyny? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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