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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 western actress does Kanta like and want to show Radha?

2. According to Samir, who has the Singh family had trouble with in the past, regarding Ravi?

3. Why does Lakshmi go to Samir for a loan?

4. What does Samir want from Lakshmi, after their affair?

5. How does Parvati respond to seeing Lakshmi coming out of Samir’s office?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the reason Maharani Indira gives for wanting Maharani Latika healed?

2. What is the event that puts an end to Lakshmi's business in Jaipur? What are the consequences?

3. What were signs that Maharani Latika was healing?

4. What made Hari change his behavior towards women?

5. What were signs that Radha was pregnant?

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

7. What is the name of Maharani Indira’s parrot? Why is he named this?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a focus on relationships between the young and the old in this book. 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 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

Throughout the book the location and date are mentioned. Why do you believe the author does this? Do you find this useful? Why or why not? What other subtle details are included by the author to aid you in understanding the time period, location, and culture?

(see the answer keys)

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