View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When the two women meet in the village late one night, what does Kunthi accuse Rukmani of?
(a) Stealing from the white men.
(b) Not being a proper wife.
(c) Having an affair with Kennington.
(d) Flirting with Kunthi's husband.

2. How long does Ira's marriage last?
(a) Five years.
(b) Ten years.
(c) Two years.
(d) Three years.

3. As the story opens, what is Rukmani dreaming of?
(a) Moving back to the city.
(b) Nathan being with her.
(c) Seeing her new grandchildren.
(d) Ira's upcoming wedding.

4. What does Rukmani see as a positive result of the foreigners returning to the village?
(a) The new business will create jobs to combat the high unemployment rate.
(b) She can build Ira's dowry much quicker.
(c) The increased traffic in the village will lead to road improvements.
(d) Ira will have many options when choosing a husband.

5. Rukmani and two other women take turns helping Kunthi. Why?
(a) Kunthi is quite ill.
(b) Kunthi is near the end of her pregnancy and unable to do anything for herself.
(c) Kunthi refuses to care for her children.
(d) Kunthi is lame and cannot walk.

6. Right after the monsoons end, Rukmani and Nathan venture into town to purchase rice for the family. Why do they return empty handed?
(a) They don't bring enough money with them.
(b) The store owners refuse to sell to them.
(c) The stores and shops are all closed.
(d) There is no rice in the land.

7. When Rukmani begins taking better care of herself and leaving more of the farming work to Nathan, what does she do in her spare time?
(a) She teaches the neighborhood children.
(b) She writes.
(c) She visits with Kunthi.
(d) She goes for long walks.

8. Why do the village women think Kunthi is quieter and more reserved than the rest of the women?
(a) Kunthi is ashamed of her husband.
(b) Kunthi doesn't approve of the other women.
(c) Kunthi misses her family.
(d) Kunthi married beneath her.

9. After her mother dies, the doctor asks Rukmani what is wrong. What does Rukmani reveal to the doctor?
(a) That she has no sons.
(b) That her marriage is in trouble.
(c) That she has been ill.
(d) That her mother's death could have been prevented.

10. When Rukmani becomes sick as she leaves her parents' home, what is her new husband's reaction?
(a) He yells at her.
(b) He soothes her.
(c) He ignores her.
(d) He returns to her parents' home.

11. Why does Rukmani take Ira to see Kenny?
(a) For allergic reactions.
(b) For a high fever.
(c) For fertility treatments.
(d) For depression.

12. How old is Rukmani's daughter when her first son is finally born?
(a) Ten.
(b) Seven.
(c) Five.
(d) Three.

13. Why are some people surprised when they look at Nathan and Rukmani's daughter?
(a) She is bald.
(b) She is ugly.
(c) She has one arm.
(d) She is beautiful.

14. Why does Nathan accept the decision of his sons to leave for Ceylon?
(a) They are men now and have made their decision.
(b) They have been nothing but trouble since starting work at the tannery.
(c) They are paying Nathan to let them go.
(d) Nathan cannot afford to keep feeding his sons.

15. How old is their daughter before Nathan finally starts taking an interest in her?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) Ten months.
(c) Twelve weeks.
(d) Three years.

Short Answer Questions

1. Nathan hangs a garland of mango leaves across the doorway to welcome Rukmani to her new house. What do the mango leaves symbolize?

2. Why does Ira's husband refuse to take her back?

3. In what month is Ira married?

4. Which of Rukmani's sons always has a book or two nearby and has learned to read and write to a far greater level that what his mother taught him?

5. What does Rukmani set aside at the end of every month?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 662 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample