Separation into states of the Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India
100
Name and explain the theme in the following quote: “Why demand specifics? Why scrap a lime from a betel leaf? Believe me, don’t believe me. My life is composed of such griefs you cannot even dream them.”
Appearance vs Reality
100
Find a paradox in the story
"Believe me, don't believe me"
100
Why does Boori Ma go from saying "Believe me, don't believe" to "Believe me, believe me"?
She did not care whether they believed her other stories but she knew that she was not to blame for the stolen sink
200
Name one of the renovations that the wives wanted to make?
Freshen up walls in stairwell, hire an exterminator, have shutters painted yellow
200
Why did the sepoys refuse to bite the rifle cartridges?
They were greased with beef and pork
200
What is the significance of the broom?
Various answers
200
Find a metaphor in the story
"Her mouth is full of ashes"
200
What is a durwan?
Door/gatekeeper
300
Boori Ma thought the reason she could not sleep was because of mites in her quilt. What did Mrs. Dalal think it was?
Prickly heat
300
What was Gandhi's role?
Various answers
300
How is Boori Ma isolated at the end of the story?
She was isolated because everyone gangs up on her and casts her out (various answers)
300
Find a simile on page 74
"Our mosquito nets were as soft as silk"
300
What did Mrs. Dalal say that she was going to bring back for Boori Ma?
A sheep's hair blanket
400
Who did Boori Ma say her daughter was married to?
A school principal
400
Name one positive effect of British rule in India?
Various answers
400
On page 70, how does cultural conflict affect Boori Ma?
“It was with this voice that she enumerated, twice a day as she swept the stairwell, the details of her plight and losses suffered since her deportation to Calcutta after Partition.”
400
If Boori Ma's stories are true, why is it ironic that she is now working as a durwan?
Various answers
400
How long was India controlled by Britain?
350 years
500
Why did Mr.Dalal put the second sink in the hallway?
To impress visitors
500
What is Raj?
Term used to describe any part of India under British rule