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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Rukmani reaches Nathan's village, who comes running to meet Rukmani?

2. When Rukmani learns that her son has been killed, what does she also learn he has been accused of?

3. Who does Rukmani try to sell her clothing to in order to raise enough money for rent?

4. While trying to raise money for the rent, how much money does Rukmani sell her clothing for?

5. Shortly after Sacrabani's birth, something happens to Nathan for the first time. What is it?

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

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.

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.

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