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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. Whose ambition it is to enter heaven in his earthly form in Viswamitra?

2. ___________ fills the tree in which Lavana lands.

3. When the king awakens in Lavana, how long has he been asleep?

4. What weapon of Vasishta's repels all attacks in Viswamitra?

5. The Sanjivini mantra is an incantation that can _____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Kacha decides to return to the god-world in Yayati?

2. Who does Brahma offer in marriage to Manmata? Where does he send them afterward?

3. Discuss the themes and plots within the story Yayati. What unites the story?

4. How does Yayati encounter Deyayani in the story Yayati?

5. How does the story Devi conclude? Who kills Mahisha?

6. What is the third test which Chudala places on her husband? What comes of it?

7. What does Mahisha grow up to be like, in Devi? Why does Indra stand against him?

8. What is King Chedi's response to his dinner invitation in the beginning of Viswamitra? How is it explained?

9. What does Mahisha do upon hearing a challenge through the woods in Devi?

10. Describe Sikhi-Dhvaia in the beginning of Chudala. How old is he?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the plot structure and settings of Yayati. What are the story's central themes? How do the characters react to temptation in this narrative? How does it relate to the other stories in the anthology?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Manmata's creation to that of Eros or Cupid in Greek and Roman mythology. In what ways is Manmata like Cupid? How does he differ?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the life of the author, R. K. Narayan, his culture and literary career, and the influences which he drew from in adapting Gods, Demons, and Others.

(see the answer keys)

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