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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. Who is Ahmad Wazir?
(a) The family barber.
(b) Bilqeece's uncle.
(c) A local beggar.
(d) A cleric from the family's mosque.

3. When the buried earthen doll is discovered, what conclusion do the women reach about Habibuddin's condition?
(a) It is caused by witchcraft.
(b) An English doctor must be called.
(c) God has already decided Habibuddin's fate.
(d) A saint will intercede to cure him.

4. Besides the Koran, what sits between Asghar and Bilqeece during the ceremony of seeing the bride's face?
(a) A purse of coins.
(b) A mirror.
(c) A plate of sweets and nuts.
(d) A cooking pot.

5. What do Asghar's friends do while he waits to be "introduced" to his bride after the ceremony?
(a) Read poetry they have written for the occasion.
(b) Sing lewd songs about his wedding night.
(c) Take turns making up outrageous stories about Asghar.
(d) Offer prayers for his happiness with his new wife.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mir Nihal do to pass the time while he is stuck in bed following his stroke?

2. Who is Blind Hafizji?

3. What does Bilqeece's family mix with the hand-washing water that the men of the Nihal family use after the wedding feast?

4. In the story that Saeed Hasan tells in Part III about the farmer and his daughter, what does the daughter discover?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Mehro's groom.

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

4. In Chapter 7, what has changed in Asghar's relationship with his wife?

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

6. What does Asghar believe is the "one thing that kept the heart of man alive," and why does he believe this (182)?

7. Explain why Begam Nihal falls on the stairs and what is done for her afterward.

8. How does Bilqeece's upbringing make it difficult for her to return Asghar's passion?

9. What does the narrator say about prayers and God in the context of the pandemic?

10. How does Zohra end up confessing her feelings to Asghar?

(see the answer keys)

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