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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 is the priest uncomfortable agreeing to the ceremony, until Malik gives him another five rupees?

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

3. What is a reason given by Lakshmi for why families do not adopt in India?

4. When will Ravi be allowed to marry?

5. How does Samir always make Lakshmi feel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What were signs that Radha was pregnant?

6. How are Radha and Malik alike?

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

8. What were signs that Maharani Latika was healing?

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

10. What made Hari change his behavior towards women?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Lakshmi’s and Radha’s father was a freedom fighter. Name two other freedom fighters from history and give a short description of who they were and for what they fought. Who are some modern freedom fighters, either from the U.S. or elsewhere? How has freedom fighting changed over time? How has it stayed the same?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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