View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the name Rahim mean?

2. What are the thorny trees called?

3. What is the reaction of the men in the hunting party when Shabanu tries to save Phulan?

4. How many wives does Rahim-sahib have?

5. What is the name of the evil landlord?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why will Bibi Lal likely be a good mother-in-law to Phulan?

2. What becomes of the house where Hamir is buried?

3. How does Shabanu save Phulan from Nazir?

4. What do they discover when they go outside the hut after the sand storm?

5. What is the legend of the thirsty dead?

6. What does Auntie tell Shabanu the morning after Hamir is killed by Nazir?

7. Was Mama right to mistrust the message brought to them by Spin Gul from the other Ranger post?

8. How does Shabanu react to the new fate she has been given?

9. What happens when Dadi and Shabanu go out searching for Grandfather during the storm?

10. What advice does Sharma give to Phulan before the wedding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the many ironic elements of the novel in terms of chapter titles, statements versus actions, and the culture.

Essay Topic 2

Is Staples trying to give the reader a slice of nomadic desert life, or is she making a larger statement about the mistreatment of women in countries like Pakistan?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the figurative language and imagery used throughout the novel. How effectively is the Pakistani language of the desert woven into the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 657 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample