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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 Maharani Latika depressed?

2. How does Radha speak to Lakshmi by Part Two of the story?

3. While sitting with Mrs. Sharma, Lakshmi wants the thing she hates most in this world. What is that one thing?

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

5. Why does Hari not tell Lakshmi before why he wanted money from her?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How has Radha changed over the three months she has been with Lakshmi in regards to her relationship with Lakshmi?

3. What were signs that Maharani Latika was healing?

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

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

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

7. What were signs that Radha was pregnant?

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

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

10. What information gives readers a clue at the beginning of Part Three that something is going on with Radha?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Gossipmongers are a part of the story from the very beginning. Describe the use of gossip within the story to influence the various characters and choices they make. Also, discuss how the use of gossips and the spreading of gossip propels the story and influences the plot.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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