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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 does Iqbal believe is the reason that he and Jugga are treated differently?

2. What does the Subinspector believe is the ultimate tool for extracting information?

3. What does Chand fear the rain will do?

4. What does Lala refuse to hand over?

5. Who was the house originally built for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why the police let Malli and his gang go free, why they claimed Iqbal was a Muslim, and why they sought to convey an idea that Sultana may have been to blame for the murder?

2. Describe Nooran, as the dacoits describe her.

3. Describe Chand's nightmare the night after the day with the ghost train.

4. Explain how the Sikh officer determined the number of refugees killed on the ghost train.

5. Explain why Jugga says he would not have killed Ram Lal.

6. Explain Iqbal's belief pertaining to morality in terms of financial status.

7. Describe the town of Mano Majra at the beginning of the book.

8. Describe Iqbal, the stranger who comes to Mana Majra.

9. Describe the scene between Jugga and Malli at the end of Chapter 2, section 3.

10. Explain Chand's view of how people should spend their conscious time and effort.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the primary themes in the novel is the concept of the communal action, both in terms of peace and in terms of communal violence. Explain the concept of communal action. In the beginning, what is Mano Majra, in terms of its sense of community? How is that changed? What is the sense of community by the end of the novel? Since no violence occurred inside the village as a result of the Hindu/Muslim conflict, what drove a wedge between the two sects? In the end, does anyone benefit from the communal violence? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There is vast governmental corruption mentioned throughout the novel. Give at least three examples of this corruption and discuss them at length. What causes this corruption? What are possible consequences? Who is involved? What are possible solutions? Does this corruption lend to the air of violence and hate in the country during the time of the novel? Why? Would this corruption exist if there was not already a war occurring? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the character of Hukum Chand, based on his actions and comments throughout the entire novel. How does Chand appear at the beginning of the novel as he speaks with the Subinspector about the Muslim issue and the current violence in the country? How does his treatment of the young woman prostitute affect his overall moral appearance? How about his release of Jugga and Iqbal in an effort to stop the oncoming violence? Does his clear fear of consequences lend to a belief that Chand is a good man, or that he is a guilty man? Why?

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