View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Alone in her room that afternoon, what does Bim realize?

2. How does Bakul deal with the atmosphere in Tara's family home during their stay?

3. What is Baba's reaction?

4. How was Mira treated by her husband's family after he died?

5. What is Theosophy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author use the episodes of the mad dog, the young teacher, and the bees to describe Tara's character?

2. How did Bim remember the incident where she was stung by bees?

3. On page 115, the children ask Mira why their parents play cards, and Mira thinks the answer is obvious. What do you think is the reason?

4. How does Tara see Aunt Mira?

5. What is the symbolism of Tara's words to Bim pouring out of her quickly on the day of her departure?

6. Why is the episode with the cow so important to this novel?

7. Why does Bim resist everything Tara says and mocks Bakul's words?

8. What is the symbolism of Bim tearing up Raja's old letter concerning the rent?

9. How does Bim see their childhood?

10. Why does Tara fail so miserably in school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tara and Bim are sisters, but their personalities are very different. Describe each of the sisters and compare them in the following ways:

1) visions of the future

2) learning and school

3) handling adversity

4) finding love and happiness in their lives

Essay Topic 2

How does Tara's relationship with Aunt Mira differ with those of Bim and Raja and Aunt Mira?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses many symbols in the book to create a sense of place. Describe several of these, including the family pets, the garden path, and the unrest in the city.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 619 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample