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

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

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

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

5. What does Lakshmi hand Samir, when she sees him after her appointment with Parvati in Part One?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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