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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 was the love of Hazrat Sarmad Shaheed's life for whom he traveled to Delhi?

2. What do the protagonist and the Englishman share with one another in Chapter 1?

3. From what types of trees does the narrator describe the flying foxes unhinging themselves in the Prologue?

4. What college play had the narrator performed in with the woman who had occupied his second floor?

5. What does the protagonist in Chapter 1 use to sooth her hurts and blows?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast the characters of Biplab Dasgupta and Dr. Azad Bhartiya.

2. Why were Anjum, Mr. Aggarwal, and Ustad Hameed arrested in Chapter 3?

3. How old was Atfat when his mother finally told his father about his condition? How did Mulaqat Ali respond?

4. What information is announced on Dr. Azad Bhartiya's sign?

5. How does the narrator describe Anjum's arrival at the cemetery in Chapter 2? Why did she go there?

6. Where was Hazrat Sarmad Shaheed from and why did he come to India?

7. What animals are described in the Prologue? What is their connection to the story?

8. What is signfificant about Zakir Mian's presence in Chapter 2?

9. How is Tilo's appearance described during her second wedding? What caused this change in appearance?

10. What is the significance of the vultures' deaths in the Prologue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify and discuss the plot points and plot structure of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Where in the narrative does the exposition transition into rising action? Where is the climax? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of gender and gender identity in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. What are hijras and what is the history of their culture within Indian society? How does the author explore the theme of gender through symbolism? How is it explored through character?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Tilo in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Is Tilo a protagonist or antagonist? Why? What is revealed of Tilo's backstory and her family? What do Tilo's actions reveal about her character?

(see the answer keys)

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