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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. Which one of the villagers is scornful of Rukmani's writing skills?

2. Who teaches Rukmani to read and write?

3. Who is the moneylender?

4. What do the Arjun and Thambi do with their wages each week?

5. Arjun and Thambi leave the village to work in Ceylon. Where are they working?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Sacrabani isolated from the other children?

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

3. Why do Rukmani and Nathan not stay with Murugan's wife?

4. Chapter 3 opens with the village women insisting Rukmani not worry about something. What is she worried about and why?

5. After her son's death, why do two tannery officials visit Rukmani?

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

7. Describe the temperament of Nathan and Rukmani's daughter.

8. Is the strike successful? Why or why not?

9. Kuti's condition is improving although there still is no food. Rukmani attributes his improvement to her prayers. What is actually causing his improvement?

10. Why does Rukmani's mother not approve of her learning to read and write?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The opening of the tannery impacts life in the village in many ways, both positive and negative.

a. Describe three positive and three negative impacts the tannery has on the village.

b. Describe three impacts the tannery has personally on Rukmani.

c. In Rukmani's opinion, what is the biggest positive consequence of the tannery's opening?

d. In Rukmani's opinion, what is the biggest negative consequence of the tannery's opening?

e. Do you agree with Rukmani's opinions (your answers to c & d)? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the Indian village, daughters are seen as a burden, while sons are seen as a benefit.

a. Why are daughters seen as a burden? Give examples from the story to support your reasoning.

b. Why are sons seen as a benefit? Give examples from the story to support your reasoning.

c. Is the same true today, daughters are a burden, while sons are a benefit? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Death is one of the themes visited throughout the novel.

a. Kuti, Raja, and Nathan all die in the novel. Describe their deaths. Who were they surrounded by? What circumstances led to their deaths? Could their deaths have been prevented?

b. Compare and contrast the effect each of their deaths has on Rukmani (Kuti, Old Granny, and Nathan).

c. How were deaths handled in the city versus in the village?

d. After Old Granny's death, Rukmani realizes something about the nature of people. What is it? Do you agree with Rukmani? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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