Chapters 16-19
Who is Kuti?
Kuti is Rukmani’s youngest son
Rukmani mainly worries about Ira’s child before she gives birth because ___.
She believes the baby was not conceived in a loving way.
After the carter and bullock cart drops them off, how many miles do Nathan and Rukmani walk to the city?
15 miles
Which of the following best explains why Puli latches onto Rukmani and Nathan?
He seeks repayment for his favor, but comes to enjoy the company and care.
Amiable means....
Friendly and agreeable
Why is everyone in the family worried about Kuti
Kuti is young and weak from lack of food and nourishment and may not survive until
harvest.
Why does Ira’s child receive a less than warm welcome from the villagers?
Ira’s firstborn was born as an albino and born out of prostitution.
What difficulties do Nathan and Rukmani encounter on their journey to find their son?
Their belongings and money get stolen at the temple.
Which of the following inferences about Puli is best supported by the text?
A. He has learned different tricks and schemes to survive on the streets.
B. He is untrustworthy and wants to steal Rukmani and Nathan’s savings.
C. He has a gambling problem and often loses the money he earns from begging.
D. He was orphaned when his parents died of the same disease that took his fingers.
A. He has learned different tricks and schemes to survive on the streets.
Brusque means...
Harsh, blunt, rough
Why did Rukmani attack Ira?
Rukmani mistakes Ira for Kunthi coming to steal more rice
Why was Old Granny upset when she visits after Ira has given birth?
She blames herself because she arranged Ira’s failed marriage.
In Chapter 24, which of the following best summarizes why Rukmani is ridiculed DURING FEEDING TIME at the temple?
She asks for an extra portion of food for her and Nathan.
Before Rukmani and Nathan began working at the quarry, what do Rukmani do to earn a few annas?
She reads and writes for others.
Obscure means.
Hidden; Not well known; undiscovered
What is the significance of Ira’s glass bangles?
When Rukmani sees the bangles, she realizes that Ira is selling herself to keep Kuti alive
Why does Rukmani feel guilty about Old Granny’s death?
Old Granny gave her last rupee to Sacrabani despite not having enough food for herself.
Which of the following best explains why Rukmani remembers the past during the temple prayers in Chapter 24?
Rukmani misses her life and loved ones in the village, and she cannot put them behind her.
Which of the following best explains why Puli does not work in the quarry himself?
He is unable to grip the rocks firmly enough with his disfigured fingers.
Vigour means..
Physical strength and vitality
Rukman was feeling shame regarding Ira’s baby born out of wedlock. Which of the following best summarizes a critique that Kenny offers Rukmani?
Kenny tells Rukmani that she should care less about what other say or think of her
Old Granny’s death on the streets mainly shows that ______.
It is difficult to survive in a village without family.
Who is Puli?
Puli, a street orphan with no fingers, helps Rukmani and Nathan find the doctor’s house.
How mainly does Nathan feel about life in the city?
Nathan does not feel at home in the city.
Taut means...
stretched or pulled tight; not loose or slack
Which of the following inferences about Selvam is best supported by the text
He is decisive and understands what he wants.
Which of the following best explains why Rukmani has never met Murugan’s wife?
It is too expensive to take the long journey from the village to the town.
What is Birla, Murugan’s first employer like?
Birla is kind and generous
Rukmani most likely worries about Puli because _________.
A. he is kind to them, and she feels grateful for his help and guidance
B. she fears that the disease destroying his fingers will spread throughout his body
C. he has spent most of his life alone and she feels a motherly instinct towards him
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Repose means...
a state of tranquility or sleep
Why does Selvam admit that he does not want to work the land?
Selvam does not feel comfortable working the land and wants to employ reading and writing skills and train to become Kenny’s assistant.
Which of the following best explains why Kenny feels guilty about employing Selvam?
Kenny deprives Nathan of a son who can provide for him and help work the land.
When Nathan and Rukmani met Birla, why were they surprised at her appearance?
She was a female doctor in trousers and they were expecting a male doctor.
Which of the following best explains why Rukmani buys a second dum-dum cart in Chapter 28?
She is hopeful she will see her grandson again and wants to give him the toy.
Morose means...
sullen, gloomy, down in the dumps
What causes Rukmani, Nathan, Ira and Selvam’s laughter at the harvest after all their hardships?
The family laughs in utter relief that they have survived until harvest because they were so close to starvation.
Rukmani’s reaction to hearing that their land was sold to the tannery mainly shows that __.
She knew the tannery would ultimately be their downfall.
Why did Murugan leave Birla, his first employer?
He left for higher wages.
Where does Rukmani go after Nathan’s death?
She returns to the village with Puli to live with Selvam and Ira.
Benignly means...
In a gentle or kind manner
How is Kenny able to build a hospital when he does not live a wealthy life in the village?
Kenny receives donations from his country, his people and the villagers in India.
Why does Rukmani become concerned about Nathan’s health?
Nathan’s health fails as he suffers from rheumatism.
Who does Rukmani hold responsible for her son's abandoning his wife?
Rukmani believes that she failed to raise her son properly.
After Nathan’s death, how does the author mainly convey a message of hope in the final chapter, Chapter 30?
Rukmani finally returns to her village with Puli and is reunited with her loved ones.
Facile means...
Superficial or simplistic knowledge; lacking full understanding of a subject
How does Rukmani feel about the development of the town?
Rukmani feels that the tannery and the development of the town is a force of destruction encroaching upon the natural surroundings.
Where do Nathan and Rukmani decide to go after the land is sold?
Nathan and Rukman decide to go to the city to find Murugan and his wife.
Why is Ammu unable to help Rukmani and Nathan?
Ammu can barely take care of herself and her two sons.
The word convert means….
To change or transform
Prudently means....
Acting with and showing concern for the future