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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. What did Raju dislike about his last residence?

2. What does Velan give Raju in appreciation of helping his sister?

3. Where does the original conversation in Chapter 4 take place?

4. What was the groom's excuse when he didn't pay Raju's father?

5. Where do Raju and Marco meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the train station mirror Raju's life?

2. Why does Raju avoid Velan's sister's wedding?

3. Why does Raju decide he has to stay at the temple?

4. Why was Raju given his nickname at the railway?

5. How does the structure of the writing style in Chapter 1 portray the inner workings of the protagonist's mind?

6. What is the source of Velan's admiration in Chapter 2?

7. Why does Velan defend his out of town visit early in Chapter 1?

8. What role did the railway play in Raju's family?

9. Why did Raju justify that his behavior towards his clients was okay?

10. How did Raju's skills as a guide enter into his relationship with Rosie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What purpose did Raju's uncle play in the novel? How did his interjection into Raju's life change the relationships Raju had with his mother and with Rosie? What gave Raju's uncle this power?

Essay Topic 2

How did Raju's gift to constantly meet everyone's needs help him to get ahead in life? In what ways did it hold him back? What made him unable to say "no" to others?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Marco and Raju. In the areas of work, love, reputation and Rosie/Nalini's life, how were they similar and different?

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