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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. In chapter one, what part of the life Nataraj lives do we see?

2. What does Vasu ask of Nataraj in the attic?

3. What stories does Sastri tell Nataraj?

4. What action does Nataraj take regarding Vasu?

5. What does Nataraj use his parlor for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is in the second brown envelope that arrives for Nataraj and who is it from? What does he promise in response to it?

2. What is the affair regarding the septuagenarian and a dog?

3. What happened to the transaction with the client that Nataraj left waiting when he left with Vasu?

4. Explain how Vasu arranges to move into Nataraj's attic.

5. Where does Nataraj seek help in resolving his legal affairs?

6. Explain the transaction between Nataraj and the old Moslem.

7. How does Nataraj feel about Vasu living in the attic as he observes him practicing his profession? Why?

8. How does Vasu respond to Nataraj's first efforts to remove him from the attic?

9. Who does Nataraj employ at the printing press? What is his relationship with his hired help?

10. What does Nataraj fear that Vasu will do in order to retaliate regarding the forestry officer and what does he do about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Vasu is a central character in The Man-eater of Malgudi. Write an essay about Vasu.

Part 1. Describe the character of Vasu. Who does he represent from the history of India?

Part 2. Give examples from the book of the actions of Vasu and explain how they parallel and symbolize the English occupation of India.

Essay Topic 2

The green folder with the accounts for the festival is the catalyst for some awkward interactions between Nataraj and Vasu. What role do the festival accounts play?

Part 1. What does the green folder represent? Why is its transference from Nataraj to Vasu important?

Part 2. Vasu never returns the green folder, but rather declares it lost. What is the significance of this?

Part 3. After Vasu's death, Nataraj sees the green folder and carefully takes it back without leaving prints so he won't be accused of stealing. Explain the significance of this scene.

Part 4. When Nataraj finally has the green folder back he still finds very little actual money. Rather, there is just the lists of people who gave money for the festival. Explain the symbolism behind this and the point R.K. Narayan is making.

Essay Topic 3

The interactions between Vasu and Nataraj are especially important in The Man-Eater of Malgudi. Write an essay explaining why.

Part 1. Who do Nataraj and Vasu represent? Why are their interactions so important?

Part 2. Find interactions or dialogue between Vasu and Nataraj and analyze it as it relates to historical figures, groups, and events.

(see the answer keys)

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