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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. How is the dung beetle described in Chapter 12 (444)?

2. Biplab has read all of the documents from where in Chapter 11?

3. Who does Amrik Singh leave Tilo in the hands of after Musa's escape in Chapter 9?

4. What did Musa do with the gift offered him by Amrik Singh in Chapter 9?

5. What does Kashmini "protocol" (372) refer to in regards to Musa and Tito's sexual engagement in Chapter 9?

Short Essay Questions

1. By whom is the letter written that is produced by Dr. Bhartiya in Chapter 10? To whom is the letter addressed?

2. What classes were being taught at the Jannat Guest House in the beginning of Chapter 10?

3. What did Naga ask Tilo about Commander Gulrez after they were released in Chapter 8? What did she reply?

4. Why was the young Kahmiri boy brought in by Ashfaq Mir in Chapter 8? How is he described?

5. Where was Miss Jebeen the First buried? How did she die?

6. How have the circumstances of Biplab Dasgupta's life changed in the opening of Chapter 11?

7. How is the theme of gender expectations explored in Chapter 10?

8. Who or what is Guih Kom and what is signficiant about his/her appearance in Chapter 12?

9. How is Tilo's encounter at the zoo described in Chapter 8? What do you think this encounter symbolizes?

10. How is Miss Jebeen the Second's mother's pregnancy described in her letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Anjum in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Is Anjum a protagonist or antagonist? Why? What are Anjum's defining characteristics? What is revealed about her through her behavior and actions?

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

Discuss elements of animal symbolism in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. What are some of the animals that the author focuses on in the Prologue and in the final chapter? What do these animals symbolize to you? What is their purpose in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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