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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 brand of whiskey do Balram and Ram Persad purchase for the Stork's family weekly?

2. What Hindu goddess does Balram describe in a white sari with gold sovereigns dripping to her feet in "The First Night"?

3. What was Balram's father's profession?

4. How does Mukesh Sir depart Delhi in “The Fourth Night”?

5. Whose face is described on the billboards at the headquarters of the Congress Party in “The Fourth Night”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Balram describe his feelings about leaving his home village after the death of his father in "The Second Night"?

2. What essential exposition is introduced by the author in "The First Night"?

3. What does Balram remark about his chandeliers in "The Fourth Night"? Why is this significant?

4. What is the significance of the last line in Balram's letter in "The First Night"?

5. What traits or attributes of Balram's character are revealed in "The Second Night"?

6. What incident does Balram describe occurring when a man in his village attempted to vote against corruption in "The Fourth Morning"?

7. What is significant about the reference to the Gandhi statue in "The Fourth Night"?

8. What motifs are introduced by the author in "The First Night"?

9. What foreshadowing can be seen in the narrator's descriptions of English liquor in "The Second Night"?

10. How would you describe Balram's impressions of politics in India in "The Fourth Morning"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of the diseased driver. What condition does he suffer from? What does this character symbolize in the story? How does this character influence the protagonist?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of freedom versus servitude in the novel. How is this theme developed through symbolism and imagery? How is it developed through character? How does the author use setting to support this theme?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the motif of politics in the novel. How are the politicians in the story depicted? What do you think the author is saying about politics in India through the novel? What relationship do the characters in the story have to politics?

(see the answer keys)

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