View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the most noticeable feature of Hari?

3. Who is quoted as saying, “An eye for any eye makes the whole world blind”?

4. When does one say MemSahib?

5. What animal represents Lord Ganesh?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the purpose of Lakshmi’s tiffin?

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

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

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

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

7. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

8. Why did Lakshmi's ladies feel comfortable sharing private information with her?

9. Why did the women of the upper caste choose Lakshmi over the women of the Shudra caste?

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

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

Gossipmongers are a part of the story from the very beginning. Describe the use of gossip within the story to influence the various characters and choices they make. Also, discuss how the use of gossips and the spreading of gossip propels the story and influences the plot.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the royal family in this story. How do they compare to other modern royal families? What is the role of royal families today? Should royal families still be given special treatment, financial support, etc.? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,063 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample