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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. When Rukmani complains to the other women about the village's expansion and its resulting noise, Kunthi insults her. What does Kunthi call Rukmani?

2. How long is Rukmani away from the house while helping the woman in labor?

3. What does Rukmani find while tending her small garden?

4. After the marriage, Rukmani sees her new home. What is it like?

5. After learning that Nathan killed a cobra, Kali disagrees with his action. Why?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rukmani disappointed when she sees her first-born child?

2. What is a negative consequence of the construction workers suddenly appearing in the village?

3. In Chapter 5 during one of Kenny's visits, he notices that Rukmani is still breast-feeding her three-year-old son. Why?

4. Why does Kenny think Selvam would be a good assistant?

5. Why is Sacrabani isolated from the other children?

6. Why do Rukmani and Nathan not immediately return to their village after learning that Murugan cannot be found?

7. Why does Arjun go to work in the tannery?

8. When Kenny offers to help Rukmani after she confides she has no sons, what is Rukmani's initial reaction to his offer of help?

9. What deal is struck between the landlord's assistant and Nathan?

10. Why does Nathan refuse to eat any of the food that Ira brings into the house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rukmani and Nathan have the opportunity to experience both country and city life in the story.

a. Compare and contrast the living conditions in the city versus the living conditions in the village. Include generosity, living conditions, poverty levels, opportunities, and attitudes in your answer.

b. What are the biggest differences to Rukmani between the city and their village?

c. What, if anything, does Rukmani like about the city?

d. What, if anything, does Rukmani wish would change in the village?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, we see Rukmani's inner strength as she deals with the various situations that arise in her life. Identify the difficult situations and discuss how Rukmani's strength helps her endure these situations at the following stages of her life:

a. The early days of her marriage, before Ira is born.

b. The days following the monsoon.

c. After Ira moves back in.

d. When their farm is sold.

e. When they are in the city.

Essay Topic 3

Old Granny and Biswas are both customers of Rukmani's. Compare and contrast Old Granny and Biswas in terms of their ability to pay, relationship to Rukmani, and standing in the village community.

(see the answer keys)

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