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

2. How is a profession viewed, in regards to women having professions in the novel?

3. What price was decided upon for Maharani Latika’s henna supplies?

4. How does Laskhmi describe her own concern for Radha and Radha’s exposure to Western culture?

5. What animal represents Lord Ganesh?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happy news is received at the Singh’s party?

3. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

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

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

6. Why are children so important to Indian men?

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

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

9. What do Lakshmi’s sachets contain? How are they significant to the story?

10. Why is wealth and gaining wealth so important to Lakshmi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abortion is an important topic brought up in this book. It is also an important topic in our current culture. What are the views of the various characters regarding abortion? How do the views of the characters, in terms of their attitude regarding abortion, change throughout the story? How might these beliefs about abortion also represent modern beliefs regarding abortion? Overall, what does this book say about abortion? Use examples from the book to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

The Epigraph sets the tone and a taste of the culture found in this book. Describe the overall tone of this book. Is it happy or somber? Is it serious or light-hearted? How does this relate to Lakshmi’s personality? What subtle, and not so subtle, changes in tone take place? How does this emphasize events that take place? How does this affect you, emotionally, as the reader?

Essay Topic 3

The blending of cultures is shown in many ways in this story. Describe two ways in which the author brings focus to this. What are the pros and cons given in the story of blending cultures? How is seen in our own country, both in small communities of ethnic groups, as well as in the culture at large?

(see the answer keys)

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