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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. What assignment does Amisha give her class?

2. What does Amisha tells Stephen about marriage in an Indian country?

3. What happens to Ravi at the close of the novel?

4. What does Ravi bring to Stephen in Chapter 38?

5. Why does Deepak forbid Amisha from teaching at the school?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jaya learn of Ravi's death?

2. In an Indian wedding, what do the coconut and rice symbolize?

3. Where do Samir and Jay go off to study when they are older?

4. To whom does Jaya give her basket filled with color-balloons?

5. In whose bed does Ravi die?

6. What is Ravi's response when Jaya asks him if he believes in God?

7. Why does Deepak's second wife resent Amisha?

8. What does Omi call Lena?

9. How to Stephen and Amisha communicate after she stops teaching at the school?

10. What does Ravi tell Jaya caused Amisha's hallucinations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jaya frequently mentions that her mother is distant. Write an essay in which you examine how Lena's upbringing affected her disposition. Use evidence from throughout the text to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 2

There are several Indian holidays mentioned in the text. Write an essay in which you examine how the writer uses holidays either to develop characters or propel the plot (or both). Cite specific holidays and narrative descriptions thereof in your analysis.

Essay Topic 3

Jaya experiences a host of emotions throughout the novel. Write an essay detailing what some of these emotions are as well as examining how they affect Jaya's character. Use evidence from the text to support your observations.

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