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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 becomes sick as she leaves her parents' home, what is her new husband's reaction?

2. Rukmani and two other women take turns helping Kunthi. Why?

3. How does Old Granny make her living?

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

5. In Chapter 12, Rukmani also learns that Selvam is leaving the village. What is his new job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What realization does Rukmani find ironic as she mourns for Old Granny?

2. Why are Rukmani and Nathan shocked when they discover their bundles have been stolen?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 2, Nathan becomes angry with Rukmani for the first time ever. Why?

4. What does the land contract state will happen if Nathan cannot pay the rent?

5. Why does Old Granny die alone?

6. What does Murugan's wife blame for his desertion?

7. What does Rukmani learn from the three women she met at the river about her new home?

8. In Chapter 14, why does Rukmani give Kunthi what she has demanded?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Ira and Kunthi turn to prostitution to earn money.

a. Describe Ira's motives for prostituting her body.

b. Describe Kunthi's motives for prostituting her body.

c. Do their motives make their actions any less objectionable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Rukmani's parents arrange her marriage to Nathan.

a. Why do her parents select Nathan as her husband?

b. Why is her mother upset with their choice of Nathan?

c. What is the economic impact of the arranged marriage, for Nathan, for Rukmani, and for her parents?

Essay Topic 3

Poverty is an overriding theme in the lives of Rukmani and Nathan.

a. Describe how their family was poor. Describe how the family was rich.

b. Give examples of poverty in the lives of the following people:

i. Rukmani

ii. Kunthi

iii. Kennington

c. Compare and contrast city and village life in terms of poverty and wealth.

d. How is city and country life different today?

(see the answer keys)

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