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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. What of Lakshmi’s is tied to the accusations and rumors about her?

2. What is one thing Lakshmi does NOT say she should have done differently?

3. How does the moment in Part Three with Mrs. Sharma feel?

4. What plot dies Malik concoct to get Hari to stop asking Lakshmi for money?

5. August 15 is what special day?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did both Lakshmi and Hari's mother hurt him?

2. What does Radha say about her relationship with Lakshmi versus her relationship with Kanta?

3. What is the last the reader sees of Parvati?

4. Name at least three traditions that are part of a blessing for a new home in Hinduism, according to this story.

5. How does Radha show her naivety once Lakshmi tells her she is pregnant?

6. What are some pros and cons for sending Radha to the Maharani School for Girls?

7. How does Radha feel about the school she is attending in Part Three? How do these feelings surface?

8. What were signs that Maharani Latika was healing?

9. What leads Hari to helping poor, injured women?

10. Why does Lakshmi abort her pregnancies? How does this affect Hari?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The definition of having wealth changes over the course of the story. How might wealth be described early on, especially by those in the high castes and by Lakshmi herself? How does this definition change over time? What does Lakshmi feel is important at the beginning of the story versus at the end? How does the author show the lack of wealth by those even in the higher castes? How does this relate to the Hindu Proverb from the Epigraph?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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