Characters
Who is nervous about the fact that Mrs. Sen can not drive, and does not enjoy Mrs. Sen's food
Elliot's Mom
What is the theme presented in the book when Mrs. Sen gets a letter from home notifying her that her grandfather had died?
Grief and Guilt
What was the name of the university student who babysat Elliot in the beginning of the story
Abby
How does Mr. Sen comfort Elliot’s mom about Mrs. Sen’s lack of driving skills?
He assures Elliot’s mom that he is teaching her
Who is the antagonist in the story, Mrs. Sen? How do you know this?
Mr. Sen is the antagonist as he is the one who struggles against the main character, Mrs. Sen
Women whose thermos contained more whisky than coffee. She also enjoys crossword puzzles
Mrs.Linden
What is the theme presented in the book when Mrs. Sen is crying because she got into an accident with Eliot in the car?
Grief and Guilt
What "curious scent" does Mrs. Sen have according to Elliot
mothballs and cumin
What does Elliot practice with Mrs. Sen everyday?
Her driving
How is Mrs. Sen’s chopping of vegetables significant?
It connects her to her home in India or the society that she misses.
This child needs a babysitter although he can feed and entertain himself
Elliot
What is the theme presented in the book when Mrs. Sen shows Eliot her saris and explains how her family thinks she lives like royalty?
Cultural Identity
Describe Mrs. Sen's car
A toffee-colored sedan with vinyl seats
How does Mrs. Sen react to her argument with Mr. Sen?
She stops cooking and refuses to practice driving
What does driving symbolize and how does it relate to Eliot?
Driving is a symbol of independence, something Mrs. Sen can not acquire. Therefore, she can not babysit Eliot in his home.
His wife cooks him dinner. He also monitors his wife's driving.
Mr. Sen
Why is the theme, difficulty communicating, important in this story, and where is it seen in the story.
It is seen between Mr. and Mrs. Sen, and it is important because it shows the disconnect between them. This causes anger between them and eventually led to the accident at the end of the story.
Where is Mrs. Sen from- She asks Elliot if she can drive here
Calcutta India
Why does Eliot stop seeing Mrs. Sen?
She got them into a car accident.
What do Eliot and Mrs. Sen have in common?
Mutual loneliness
Is learning how to drive, is Indian, and babysits Elliot.
Mrs. Sen
What is the significance of Mrs. Sen’s family thinking she lives like a queen in America and why is it important to the theme of cultural identity?
Her family thinks that she is getting more opportunities in America, and how other places perceive America. It shows false perceptions and how living in another country could change someone.
What food does Mrs. Sen cook Elliot's mom
a glass of bright pink yogurt with rose syrup, breaded mincemeat with raisins, and a bowl of semolina halvah
What happens to Eliot as a result of Mrs. Sen getting fired?
He gets a key to his house, gaining independence.
What point of view is this story told from?
3rd person, Elliot