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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 does Miss Nili start visiting Mr. Salgado?

2. Why does Salgado say he's reluctant to work for the government?

3. How does Triton change after Nili joins the household?

4. At the poker party, Mr. Salgado can't eat and drinks too much beer because he's worried about what?

5. Who is Palitha Aluthgoda, a prominent figure who is assassinated?

Short Essay Questions

1. Problems start to appear in the relationship between Miss Nili and Mr. Salgado, and she's in a very bad mood right before a poker party. What does she do during the party, and how does Mr. Salgado react?

2. Describe Nili's reaction when she accompanies Triton to the fish market.

3. During the festive dinner party at his home with Miss Nili and several other distinguished guests, what does Mr. Salgado talk about?

4. Who is Nili?

5. What transformations does the household undergo after Miss Nili moves into Mr. Salgado's house?

6. Despite his misgivings, Mr. Salgado accepts the job offered to him by his friend, Mr. Dias Liyanage. How does this affect Triton?

7. Why is the death of Sri Lanka's "most flamboyant millionaire" a hot topic of conversation among Mr. Salgado, Miss Nili, and their circle of friends?

8. Describe Triton's experience at the Christmas Eve dinner.

9. How does the relationship between Mr. Salgado and Miss Nili change after the Christmas Eve party?

10. How does the personal transformation of Wijetunga, Mr. Salgado's work assistant, reflect the transformation taking place in Sri Lanka?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain, in detail, why the following minor characters are important to the development of the story. What does each one contribute to the narrative?

1. Joseph.

2. Lucy-amma.

3. Wijetunga.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and determine the importance to the story of the following recurring points:

1. The making of lists.

2. The changing reefs.

3. The dreams of opening up new establishments.

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use a story told by a former servant boy as a tool to educate readers about the nation of Sri Lanka, including its culture, people, geographical attributes, and recent social and political unrest? Do you feel this is an effective tool? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,156 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample