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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does Rukmani address Nathan?
(a) She calls him "Nathan."
(b) She calls him "Master."
(c) She calls him "Sir."
(d) She calls him "Husband."

3. Whose child does Rukmani help birth?
(a) Kali's child.
(b) Biswas's child.
(c) Kunthi's child.
(d) Janaki's child.

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

5. Who is the moneylender?
(a) Kali.
(b) Janaki.
(c) Hanuman.
(d) Biswas.

6. How far have the construction workers traveled to reach the village?
(a) Seventy kilometers.
(b) One hundred miles.
(c) Two weeks.
(d) Three days.

7. When Rukmani's mother is on her deathbed, who does her father send for?
(a) The temple priest.
(b) The village doctor.
(c) Rukmani's older sisters.
(d) The tribal chief.

8. Rukmani is keeping a secret from her husband. What is her secret?
(a) She lost a child before their son was born.
(b) She is seeing Kenny romantically.
(c) She is working in the village to earn extra money.
(d) She is seeing Kenny for fertility treatments.

9. What is the result of the strike for Arjun and Thambi?
(a) They receive longer breaks.
(b) They lose their jobs.
(c) They are promoted.
(d) They receive higher wages.

10. What do the Arjun and Thambi do with their wages each week?
(a) They spend it in the local tavern.
(b) They save their wages for Ira's dowry.
(c) The give their wages to Rukmani.
(d) They waste it gambling.

11. What do Nathan and Rukmani name their daughter?
(a) Selvam.
(b) Irawaddy.
(c) Nathina.
(d) Rukki.

12. How does Nathan characterize Rukmani?
(a) Lazy.
(b) Clever.
(c) Tired.
(d) Ignorant.

13. When her parents restrict her freedom, what is Ira's reaction?
(a) She understands, but refuses to listen.
(b) She sneaks into the village when her parents are in the fields.
(c) She complains to her parents, but stays near the hut.
(d) She is confused, but doesn't complain.

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

15. What is Deepavali?
(a) The anniversary of the tannery's opening.
(b) The temple's most holy day.
(c) The celebration of the village's settlement.
(d) The Festival of Lights.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Arjun and Thambi leave for Ceylon, what is Rukmani afraid of?

2. Right after the monsoons end, Rukmani and Nathan venture into town to purchase rice for the family. Why do they return empty handed?

3. Whose hut is completely destroyed by the monsoon?

4. Even though Rukmani has to sell her vegetables in the village, the family is still grateful. Why?

5. What role do Rukmani's sons play in the tannery trouble?

(see the answer keys)

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