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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. How do Maxine's parents react to Gogol when he meets them?

2. Where had Moushumi been at the time of Ashoke's funeral?

3. What book does Moushumi look for that was inscribed for her by Dimitri?

4. What does Moushumi tell friends her name means?

5. What happened to one of the administrative assistants at NYU?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Gogol and Mushumi react to one another after all this time?

2. What do Gogol and Moushumi decide to do with the money they receive as wedding presents?

3. What do the Ratliffs do for Gogol in New Hampshire?

4. What do Gogol and Moushumi have in common when they first meet?

5. Why doesn't Gogol know immediately of his father's death?

6. What does Moushumi reveal about her past that she finds humiliating?

7. After Gogol breaks off his relationship with Maxine, who does his mother introduce him to?

8. How does Gogol finally learn about his father's death?

9. How does Gogol feel about Maxine's family?

10. What call does Ashima get while working on the Christmas cards?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses Gogol's romantic relationships to explore different aspects of his character. Follow the development of Gogol's romantic life throughout the book and examine Gogol's character in each relationship. Cite examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Distance is one major theme in this novel. Explore the author's use of distance in the book, both physical and emotional, and tell how and where it is found and what the author accomplishes by using this theme. Cite examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The Ganguli family lifestyle is central to the story. Compare and contrast the Ganguli family's lifestyle to the lifestyle of the Ratliffs. Cite examples from the novel that show differences and explain how those differences are important to the story.

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This section contains 572 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample