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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. Why did the elder Mrs. Harris stay on in India after her husband died?

2. What is the name for an Englishman or woman in Hindi?

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

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

5. What age range is Malik?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe Sheela Sharma and Ravi Singh. How are they alike? What evidence from the story supports this?

7. How had notebooks become important to Lakshmi?

8. Why are children so important to Indian men?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Perception is a universal theme found in this book. How does perception play a role in the acceptance and inclusion of the characters? How does perception also lead to exclusion and denial? How does this seem to affect the characters in this book? What might the author want you to take away from this book regarding this theme?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Cultural influence is strong in this story. Describe Indian culture of the 1950s and how it influences the characters of this book. Describe your own culture, as well as the broader U.S. culture today. How are you influenced by the culture in which you were born, as well as the culture of the world in which you live? Are there clashes between these two cultures, or do they seem to be one culture, rather than two, fitting seamlessly together? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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