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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. Which member of the Nihal household is mentioned as having died at the beginning of Part IV, Chapter 1?

2. Who decides to propose to Surayya, the woman that Bagam Nahil originally wanted Asghar to marry?

3. What happens shortly after Bilqeece gives birth to her daughter?

4. What is Mirza the milk-seller's attitude toward the English?

5. What is Habibuddin referring to when, on his deathbed, he says "It's beautiful, divine" (197)?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a choice made by a servant end up affecting the course of Asghar's future at the end of the novel?

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

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

4. Once Asghar and Bilqeece have their own home, what is the routine they settle into?

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

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

7. When Bilqeece is near death in Chapter 11, who does Asghar send for, and what does this person tell them?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that affirms, refutes, or qualifies the following statement: "Despite the strong religious faith of the characters in Twilight in Delhi, the novel makes clear that most of their prayers go unanswered." Use textual evidence to support your assertions.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the main servants--Dilchain, Ghafoor, or Chanbeli--and write an essay that analyzes their role in Twilight in Delhi. Be sure to back up your claims with evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you compare and contrast the characters of Mir Nihal and his son Asghar. Offer textual details to support your assertions about these two men.

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