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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 do saffron flowers represent?

2. Radha is known as what by the people of her village?

3. Which is NOT a reason that Lakshmi gives for wanting a home of her own?

4. What does Hari call Radha the first time he sees her?

5. How does Radha react when Sheela does not want Malik to help them with a design for the Sharma party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Munchi give Radha? Why was it so special to her?

2. What do Lakshmi’s sachets contain? How are they significant to the story?

3. Why does Lakshmi ask Radha to make the henna paste?

4. How is Lakshmi a fallen woman in the eyes of her ladies?

5. Why are children so important to Indian men?

6. Why is the match between Sheela and Ravi so important to Lakshmi?

7. Describe the relationship between Lakshmi and her mother-in-law.

8. What deal does Parvati offer Lakshmi regarding the match between Ravi and Sheela?

9. Why do Indian parents hurry to marry off their children?

10. Describe the Old Pink City.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gossipmongers are a part of the story from the very beginning. Describe the use of gossip within the story to influence the various characters and choices they make. Also, discuss how the use of gossips and the spreading of gossip propels the story and influences the plot.

Essay Topic 2

The topic of adoption is significant in this story. Describe the times this story discusses adoption. What is the cultural connection to this idea of adoption? How is the adoption of Radha’s son by Kanta unique? How is this adoption both significant and unusual within the culture and time period of the story? How does the fact that Radha gives her son up for adoption also reflect the culture and time period?

Essay Topic 3

Lakshmi’s and Radha’s father was a freedom fighter. Name two other freedom fighters from history and give a short description of who they were and for what they fought. Who are some modern freedom fighters, either from the U.S. or elsewhere? How has freedom fighting changed over time? How has it stayed the same?

(see the answer keys)

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