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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. What was the general atmosphere of the community for days after Vasu's death?

2. What does Nataraj offer Muthu right away when he recognizes him?

3. What does Rangi tell Nataraj about Vasu?

4. What does Nataraj say was the greatest damage caused by the man-eater?

5. When Muthu comes to the press, what does he ask Nataraj for help with?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rangi's visit to Nataraj change at Nataraj's house? How?

2. What did the police determine killed Vasu? Who were there suspects?

3. What incident with Nataraj happens in the crowds during the mayor's speech?

4. How is Sen able to help Nataraj?

5. Rangi and Nataraj discuss several things when she taps on the grille of the press. What do they discuss and what is their conversation like?

6. What happens when Nataraj enters Vasu's apartment after hearing about his death?

7. What does Sastri learn from Rangi about how Vasu died?

8. What thoughts consume Nataraj the day of the festival? What action does he take to prevent the thing he fears from happening.

9. What happens when Nataraj visits Vasu as the procession approaches?

10. How does Sastri say that demons usually meet their demise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story of The Man-Eater of Malgudi takes place in India. Why is India a significant setting for this story?

Part 1. Why did R.K. Narayan choose India to be the setting for this story? Could it have taken place anywhere else?

Part 2. What cultural aspects of India are important for a full understanding of the story?

Part 3. What historical aspects of India are important for a full understanding of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Consider this famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated."

Part 1. Do you agree with the quote? Why or why not?

Part 2. Why is this theme central to the story The Man-eater of Malgudi?

Part 3. How does the treatment of animals help define the characters of Nataraj and Vasu?

Essay Topic 3

The Man-Eater of Malgudi is a piece of fiction that acts as a political commentary. Write an essay about artistic political commentary.

Part 1. How is the book The Man-Eater of Malgudi a political commentary? What is its message?

Part 2. What other art forms commonly act as political commentary? How?

Part 3. Cite or show another work that is also meant as a political commentary. How is it recognizable as such? What does it mean?

(see the answer keys)

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