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. Which of these is NOT a warning that Lakshmi gives Joyce Harris?

2. Why is Sheela Sharma an unconventional match for Ravi Singh?

3. Who encouraged and aided Lakshmi in her move to Jaipur?

4. Which is NOT a reason that Lakshmi gives for wanting a home of her own?

5. What type of women did Samir prefer as lovers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the Singhs, both past and present?

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

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

4. Why does Lakshmi help women have abortions?

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

6. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

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

8. In 1950s India, did individual shame exist? How does Lakshmi explain shame in her culture?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Lakshmi’s and Radha’s father was a freedom fighter. Name two other freedom fighters from history and give a short description of who they were and for what they fought. Who are some modern freedom fighters, either from the U.S. or elsewhere? How has freedom fighting changed over time? How has it stayed the same?

Essay Topic 3

Both emotional and physical healing are largely focused upon in this story. Explain how healing is a significant part of this book. Make sure to describe the types of healing that take place, as well as compare the healers to the healed. Do the roles of healer and healed reverse at any point in the story? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,030 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample