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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. Who does Sai wait for at the beginning of the novel?

2. Where does Biju live?

3. Why is Gyan conflicted about his relationship with Sai?

4. According to Sai, why can't Gyan find a decent job?

5. During their tutoring sessions, what does Sai tell Noni she wants to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter 10, why do you think Biju is the only immigrant he knows who seriously considers returning home one day?

2. As described in chapter 12, what is the difference between the effects of Catholic school on Sai and Noni?

3. What does the first chapter reveal about the social structures that exist between the introductory characters?

4. In chapter 8, why is Jemu so determined to reject his father's traditional Indian customs by refusing to throw the coconut overboard?

5. In chapter 29, how does Gyan begin to view Sai?

6. In chapter 5, what is the symbolism of the two-level restaurants with basement kitchens where Biju works?

7. Why is Jemu's reaction to his wife's going through his things in chapter 28 so severe that he rapes her?

8. How is the judge's house like the judge himself?

9. Why is the judge so critical of Gyan in chapter 18?

10. What effect does Gyan have on Sai when they first meet in chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sai is constantly arguing with Gyan over his accusations about her values and behaviors. How do Sai's perceptions of herself differ from Gyan's perceptions of her? To what factors can we attribute these differences in perception?

Essay Topic 2

Gyan is constantly being pulled in different directions throughout the novel. His love for Sai feels improper because she could never be the submissive Indian wife his family would approve of. In addition, he feels as if he should put aside trivial things like his childish feelings for Sai and become a man in order to fight for the cause of a homeland. Do you think his romance and fighting for a cause are necessarily mutually exclusive? Do you think it is necessary for him to make a choice, or could he have both? If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose, and why?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, a number of characters demonstrate or wrestle with stereotypes about members of a certain ethnic group. These include Sai, the cook, Lola and Noni, and Biju. Choose one of these characters and describe how their stereotypical ideas play out in the novel. What do you think this says about the character in a larger sense? Is there any change in how the character comes to view members of this group? How does this relate to the theme of identity in the novel?

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