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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 has Kanta’s doctor advised her to remain lying prone for the remainder of her pregnancy?

2. What does Lakshmi learn about the benefits of cotton root bark?

3. Why does Lakshmi turn down Maharani Latika’s invite to watch her teach the girls to dance?

4. What is the main reason Lakshmi gives for why she believes she deserves all that is coming to her?

5. Why does Kanta think exposing Radha to Western ways would be good for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Lakshmi nervous about the relationship between Kanta and Radha?

2. What were signs that Maharani Latika was healing?

3. How do things start to go downhill after Lakshmi drops Radha back off at school after their lunch out together?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How are Radha and Malik alike?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

The blending of cultures is shown in many ways in this story. Describe two ways in which the author brings focus to this. What are the pros and cons given in the story of blending cultures? How is seen in our own country, both in small communities of ethnic groups, as well as in the culture at large?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,128 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample