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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. Why does Arun decline Rod and his father's invitation to join them?

2. What does Uma do that astonishes Papa in Chapter 12?

3. What does Dr. Dutt say is wrong with Uma's mother?

4. What does Uma do that requires some boldness?

5. Why is Arun amazed that Mrs. Patton wants to go to the grocery store?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dr. Dutt want when she comes one day to visit?

2. What does Arun think upon walking to the Patton house for the first time?

3. What does Melanie say in Chapter 25 about her mother's sunbathing?

4. What were Mama's and Papa's jobs concerning their children?

5. What does Mrs. Joshi suggest that Uma consider, and what are Uma's thoughts about it?

6. Why does Arun enter the water so quickly despite not being able to swim well?

7. Why is Mama suspicious of Mrs. O'Henry's motives in inviting Uma?

8. How does Arun feel about his life in the United States?

9. What is Rod Patton like?

10. What do Arun and Mrs. Patton have in common?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

a) Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Fasting, Feasting.

b) Trace and analyze one major theme of Fasting, Feasting. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

c) Trace and analyze two secondary themes of this book. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

The author connects Uma's strange, almost epileptic, fits to religious or spiritual events. The first time Uma collapses in one of her fits, she is in the presence of Mother Agnes at the Catholic convent school. Uma spins out of control, writhes on the floor, and shrieks hysterically when Mira-Masi tells Uma that she has the mark of the Lord on her. It is not clear yet why these fits happen at these specific times; but the author may be trying to symbolize Uma's need for release from her imprisoned life. Spirituality may be one method of achieving some sort of freedom. The fits may also symbolize the precipice of a new life for Uma who is likened to an infant when the pilgrim at the ashram hits Uma on the back to restart her breathing just as if Uma is freshly born again.

a) Discuss the reasons Uma’s fits might be considered either an escape or defense mechanism.

b) Discuss the symbolism of Uma’s fits in relationship to life with Uma’s parents.

c) Do you think Uma has control over her fits? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

a) Trace and analyze the theme of food and eating in Fasting, Feasting. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with food? Why? What are some symbols of food? Symbols of scarcity? Why is food and eating important in this novel?

b) Trace and analyze the theme of gender roles in Fasting, Feasting. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have an advantage in life due to gender? Why? How are women treated differently than men?

c) Trace and analyze the theme of family dynamics in Fasting, Feasting. What types of family dynamics are illustrated in the book? Are the families dysfunctional? How do family dynamics affect the characters and their responses to life?

(see the answer keys)

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