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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Begam Jamal tells Begam Shahbaz about Asghar's plan to marry Zohra, what is Begam Shahbaz's reaction?
(a) She is appalled.
(b) She is envious.
(c) She is suspicious.
(d) She is hesitant.

2. How old is Jehan Ara at the beginning of Part III, Chapter 10?
(a) Two.
(b) Three.
(c) Four.
(d) Five.

3. What does Bilqeece's family mix with the hand-washing water that the men of the Nihal family use after the wedding feast?
(a) Flower petals.
(b) Kerosene.
(c) Dye powder.
(d) Attar.

4. What does Mir Nihal do when he sees the funeral procession in Part III, Chapter 9?
(a) Sings a sad song.
(b) Crosses the street.
(c) Asks who died.
(d) Walks with it a short way.

5. How long after Bilqeece's death is it when Asghar realizes that he is in love with Zohra?
(a) A year and a half.
(b) 11 months.
(c) 6 months.
(d) Just over a year.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Bilqeece asks Asghar to forgive her, what is the last thing she asks of him?

2. What is the primary focus of the description in the opening paragraphs of Part III, Chapter 6?

3. What does Asghar notice about the streets of Delhi?

4. When Asghar is speaking with Begam Nihal about Zohra in Part IV, what does he notice about his parents' home?

5. What work is Begam Nihal engaged in when Asghar comes to speak to her about Zohra in Part IV?

Short Essay Questions

1. What complaints does the narrator make against the grave diggers, cloth merchants, and body washers?

2. Explain what Mir Nihal's grandchildren do that makes him so angry, and tell how he responds to their misbehavior.

3. Why is Ghafoor somewhat "quiet and subdued" in Chapter 6?

4. In what ways are Habibuddin and his son proud of one another?

5. Describe what happens to Mir Nihal when he gets home after seeing the funeral procession.

6. What song does Asghar hear at the graveyard, and how does he react?

7. Describe Mehro's life and marriage during this time period.

8. Describe the ceremonies in Chapter 1 that are intended to "sweeten" the bride's and groom's mouths.

9. What does the narrator say families have to understand about raising daughters?

10. When Habibuddin hears what has happened to Mirza's son, why does his reaction please Mir Nihal?

(see the answer keys)

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