1. family and parenting
2. motherhood

Test Preparation
Fasting, Feasting
by Anita Desai
Your Complete Test Preparation Guide (For Grades 7-12)
Multiple Choice Questions, Short Essay & Essay Questions, Mid-Book & Final Test
Multiple Choice Questions
The Multiple Choice Questions in this Test Preparation Guide will test a student's understanding of
Fasting, Feasting. The questions are broken out into sections, so they focus on specific chapters within
Fasting, Feasting. This allows you to test and review the book as you proceed through the unit.
Short Essay Questions
The Short Essay Questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students
to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Fasting, Feasting by describing what they have read, rather
than just recalling it. The short essay questions evaluate not only whether students have read the
material, but also how well they understand and can apply it. They require more thought than a multiple
choice question, but are shorter than the essay questions.
Essay Questions
Students should have a full understanding of the unit material in order to answer these questions. They
often include multiple parts of the work and ask for a thorough analysis of the overall text. These essays
are designed to challenge a student's understanding of the broad points in a work, interactions among the
characters, and main points and themes of the text.
Mid-Book Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)
Final Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)
Answer Keys
©2014 BookRags, Inc.
Essay Topic 15
Discuss the following:
a) Who is/are the protagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?
b) Who is/are the antagonists of Fasting, Feasting, and how do you determine this?
c) Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot of Fasting,
Feasting?
d) Are any of the characters in Fasting, Feasting dispensable? If so, which ones? Why
or why not?
Essay Topic 16
Fasting, Feasting belongs to the multicultural novel genre. Discuss each of the
following:
a) Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in
addition to the multicultural novel genre.
b) Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons
it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.
c) What do you think is the difference between a multicultural novel and a historical
novel or mystery?
Essay Topic 17
Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about
the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:
a) Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Will Desai. What in Desai's
background may have helped her in writing Fasting, Feasting? What may have
influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?
b) Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or
why not? Give examples.
c) What does the term "author agenda" mean?
d) Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Desai's agenda.
Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Desai's probable agenda concerning
that idea.
6
e) Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?
Why or why not?
f) How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?
Explain your answer with examples.
Essay Topic 18
Discuss one of the following:
a) Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Fasting, Feasting.
b) Trace and analyze one major theme of Fasting, Feasting. How is the theme
represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?
c) Trace and analyze two secondary themes of this book. How are the themes
represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?
Essay Topic 19
Discuss the following:
a) Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good
ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?
b) What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Fasting, Feasting
and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give
examples as to why Fasting, Feasting is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you
discuss.
c) Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any
other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly
written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 20
Discuss the following:
a) What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?
b) Analyze and discuss Fasting, Feasting based upon the criteria you decide upon in a.)
and judge if it is a successful novel.
c) Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for
adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Fasting,
Feasting a successful novel? What about young teens?
7
Short Essay Questions
1. Who are the main Indian characters?
2. In the opening to the book, what does Uma do while her parents are sitting on
the veranda?
3. What does Mama do each day to prepare Papa for the day?
4. How does Mama and Papa's moods affect the rest of the household?
5. How do Uma and Aruna respond to news of their mother's pregnancy?
6. Why does Uma sneak out of the house one day?
7. How does Mother Agnes respond to Uma's pleas?
8
8. How does giving birth to a male child affect Mama's status?
9. Why does Papa want the family to eat meat, and who will not do so?
10. How does Uma feel about Mira-Masi?
11. Why do Mama and Papa not approve of Ramu?
12. What do Uma and Ramu do one evening that causes Mama and Papa to be
angry?
13. What is the atmosphere like at the Ashram that Mira-Masi and Uma travel to,
and how does Uma feel about it?
14. What does Mira-Masi tell Uma one day about the mark of the Lord, and how
does Uma react?
9
15. When does Uma realize what she has lost in leaving the ashram?
16. How do Uma and Aruna feel about Anamika's engagement?
17. How is Anamika's life after her marriage?
18. How does Uma feel about her eligibility for marriage and how is she expected
to act?
19. How does Uma and her family learn that the prospective groom is not
interested in Uma?
20. What happens when Aruna comes of age for marriage?
21. How does Uma compare herself to Aruna?
10
50. What does Mrs. Patton encourage Arun to cook?
51. What does Arun try to get the courage to tell Mrs. Patton?
52. What does Arun begin doing and why?
53. How does the cashier at the grocery store upset Mrs. Patton and what does
she ask Arun concerning the situation?
54. How does Arun feel when he finds Mrs. Patton sunbathing one day?
55. What does Melanie say in Chapter 25 about her mother's sunbathing?
56. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie to the swim hole even though
he does not wish to do so?
15
57. Why does Arun enter the water so quickly despite not being able to swim
well?
58. What does Arun discover when he takes a walk into the woods?
59. What does Arun receive from Uma before he moves out of the Patton home?
60. How has Mrs. Patton changed over the course of the summer?
16
Short Essay Questions Key
1. Who are the main Indian characters?
The core characters in India comprise a family living in a small town in India, where
provincial customs and attitudes dictate the futures of all children: girls are to be married
off and boys are to become as educated as possible.
2. In the opening to the book, what does Uma do while her parents are sitting on
the veranda?
Uma relates to the housekeeper some of Mama's domestic orders for the day and then
returns to her parents on the veranda to take dictation from Papa for a letter to be sent
to Arun who is studying at a university in America.
3. What does Mama do each day to prepare Papa for the day?
Mama sees Papa off each morning, making sure to pack Papa's tennis clothes, so that
Papa can play before returning home each evening where he will find Mama waiting for
him on the veranda.
4. How does Mama and Papa's moods affect the rest of the household?
Uma and Aruna are so aware of their parents' feelings and mutual opinions that the
actual atmosphere of the house can literally change based on Mama and Papa's
approval or disapproval of a recent event.
5. How do Uma and Aruna respond to news of their mother's pregnancy?
The morals of the family have led the girls to believe that sexuality is a dirty thing; and
the fact that their parents, at this stage of their lives, could have partaken in such
behavior brings both awe and shame on the household.
17
6. Why does Uma sneak out of the house one day?
Uma stealthily leaves the house with some money she has saved and escapes to St.
Mary's School, the convent school, where she hopes to plead with Mother Agnes to
continue her education.
7. How does Mother Agnes respond to Uma's pleas?
Unfortunately, Mother Agnes does not rally to Uma's defense and encourages Uma to
concentrate on her domestic duties, which are also important for young women to learn.
8. How does giving birth to a male child affect Mama's status?
Mama's position in the household and in the community is elevated with the birth of a
son, and Mama's relationship with Papa is even further cemented.
9. Why does Papa want the family to eat meat, and who will not do so?
Eating meat is a habit Papa has tried to instill in his family as a sign of a better-educated
and more progressive household, but Papa realizes, much to his chagrin, that Arun will
not eat meat.
10. How does Uma feel about Mira-Masi?
Uma revels in Mira-Masi's stories of Hinduism and delights in the tales of the gods and
goddesses whom Mira-Masi almost considers to be her own family members.
11. Why do Mama and Papa not approve of Ramu?
Mama and Papa do not approve of Ramu's ill manners in arriving without warning and
intending to stay for a while without benefit of an invitation.
18
12. What do Uma and Ramu do one evening that causes Mama and Papa to be
angry?
Uma and Ramu go out to dinner and laugh and enjoy the evening together until the
hotel band leaves and the dining room lights are shut off. Papa and Mama are waiting
angrily when Uma and Ramu return home.
13. What is the atmosphere like at the Ashram that Mira-Masi and Uma travel to,
and how does Uma feel about it?
The atmosphere at the ashram is extremely devoid of human noises, with the exception
of morning and evening prayers. Mira-Masi immediately sinks into her spiritual rituals,
ignoring everything but her prayers; and Uma is delighted to be so unsupervised for the
first time in her life.
14. What does Mira-Masi tell Uma one day about the mark of the Lord, and how
does Uma react?
Mira-Masi, in a fevered state, tells Uma that Uma has the mark of the Lord. Uma
suddenly enters into a violent trance, writhing on the floor and shrieking until one of the
pilgrims strikes Uma's back so that she may catch her breath.
15. When does Uma realize what she has lost in leaving the ashram?
It is not until Uma is well on the way home that she realizes that she has lost the
freedom and serenity of life at the ashram.
16. How do Uma and Aruna feel about Anamika's engagement?
Uma and Aruna are struck with disappointment for the beautiful Anamika to be tied to
someone so seemingly unsuitable for such a girl, on whom fortune has always smiled.
19
50. What does Mrs. Patton encourage Arun to cook?
Mrs. Patton encourages Arun to cook an Indian dish for his supper and Arun
accommodates, although has never cooked before and cannot recall ever seeing his
mother cook.
51. What does Arun try to get the courage to tell Mrs. Patton?
Arun tries to muster the courage to bring up the topic of Melanie's eating disorder, but
decides that it is not an appropriate topic for him to broach at this point.
52. What does Arun begin doing and why?
Arun adopts the ritual of jogging all through the Pattons' subdivision and pushes himself
past his level of endurance in order to become more like the American stereotypes that
surround him.
53. How does the cashier at the grocery store upset Mrs. Patton and what does
she ask Arun concerning the situation?
At the checkout counter, the girl at the register asks Mrs. Patton if Mrs. Patton is
pregnant because she has a healthy glow; but on the drive home Mrs. Patton questions
Arun about whether she looks fat and is visibly upset by the checkout girl's question.
54. How does Arun feel when he finds Mrs. Patton sunbathing one day?
The next day, when Arun returns home from his job at the library, he encounters Mrs.
Patton sunbathing in the back yard. Arun is visibly uncomfortable around the scantily
clad Mrs. Patton whose flirtatious behavior prompts Arun to hurry into the safety of the
house.
55. What does Melanie say in Chapter 25 about her mother's sunbathing?
Melanie ravenously eats ice cream from a carton and sarcastically informs Arun that
26
Mrs. Patton will not be cooking dinner tonight because she is sunbathing.
56. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie to the swim hole even though
he does not wish to do so?
Mrs. Patton invites Arun to accompany her and Melanie to spend the day at the
swimming hole. Although Arun does not want to go, he cannot think of an appropriate
excuse.
57. Why does Arun enter the water so quickly despite not being able to swim
well?
Mrs. Patton shocks Arun by removing her bathing suit, an act which plunges the usually
water shy Arun into a painful belly flop in order to escape Mrs. Patton and her strange
behavior.
58. What does Arun discover when he takes a walk into the woods?
Arun takes a walk in the woods where he finds Melanie lying on the ground, covered in
vomit. When Melanie sees Arun, she sticks a finger down her throat and vomits once
again.
59. What does Arun receive from Uma before he moves out of the Patton home?
Before Arun leaves the Patton home, a package from Uma arrives in which Arun finds a
brown wool shawl and some tea to help Arun get through the next Massachusetts
winter.
60. How has Mrs. Patton changed over the course of the summer?
Mrs. Patton has transitioned from a sunbathing zealot to a much more subdued woman
considering yoga and natural health alternatives.
27
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What two countries are the settings for “Fasting, Feasting”?
(a) India and the United States.
(b) The Unites States and Napal.
(c) The United States and China.
(d) The United States and Malaysia.
2. What does Uma spend her life doing?
(a) Working at a floor loom.
(b) Being subservient to her parents' demands.
(c) Plotting revenge.
(d) Searching for the perfect husband.
3. Where is Arun at the opening of the novel?
(a) In India.
(b) In England.
(c) In Italy.
(d) In the United States.
4. What is Papa's vocation?
(a) Baker.
(b) Merchant.
(c) Lawer.
(d) Policeman.
5. Around what does Mama build her life?
(a) Understanding people.
(b) Meeting Papa's needs.
(c) Her religion.
(d) Securing her daughter's happiness.
6. What does Papa do every day after work?
(a) Call his father.
(b) Play cricket.
(c) Play tennis.
(d) Visit the temple.
7. What do Mama and Papa do on occasional evenings at the club?
(a) Play cars.
(b) Swim.
(c) Bet or horse races.
(d) Play shuffleboard.
28
8. To what kind of life do Uma and Arun resign themselves?
(a) Subservience.
(b) Comfort and boredom.
(c) Intellectual stimulation but strict.
(d) Religious.
9. What irritates Papa when they go to the park?
(a) The number of people there.
(b) The barking dogs.
(c) The loud music.
(d) The trash.
10. What does Uma do when they return from the park and her parents sit on the
swing?
(a) Sew.
(b) Chat with a friend on the phone.
(c) Paint.
(d) Bring her parents lemonade.
11. What do Uma and Aruna feel about their mother's pregnancy?
(a) Jealousy.
(b) Joy.
(c) Shame.
(d) Bitterness.
12. How does Papa act once he gets home from the hospital after Mama delivers a
baby boy?
(a) As if nothing had happened.
(b) Exuberant.
(c) Despondent.
(d) Anxious about finances.
13. When is the new baby boy born?
(a) Spring.
(b) Early winter.
(c) Mid-summer.
(d) At the end of the summer.
14. What does Uma say about having to take care of her new baby brother?
(a) She loves everything about it.
(b) She wishes it had been a baby girl.
(c) Her school work is suffering.
(d) She is bitter that another male is being coddled.
29
15. What decision do Uma's parents make that displeases her?
(a) Uma will go to boarding school in the fall.
(b) Uma will not return to the convent school.
(c) Uma must marry a young man she despises.
(d) Uma has to stay in India instead of going to the United States for school.
16. How old is Uma at the opening to Chapter 3?
(a) 80.
(b) 20.
(c) 15.
(d) 45.
17. Where does Uma sneak off to one day?
(a) St. John's Basilica.
(b) The large Mall about 20 kilometers from home.
(c) To her best friend's house.
(d) St. Mary's school.
18. What does Uma do when she finds the person for whom she is searching in
Chapter 3?
(a) She slaps him.
(b) She collapses.
(c) She pleads with him for a job.
(d) She greets her calmly and happily.
19. How does Uma get home from her trip she sneaks off to make?
(a) The school van.
(b) Her best friend's brother.
(c) The proprietor of the shop she wants a job at takes her.
(d) Her father comes to get her.
20. How does Uma's mama respond to Uma's return?
(a) Mama is very angry.
(b) Mama's feelings are hurt.
(c) Mama is very understanding.
(d) Mama is worried about Uma's state of mind
21. What is the result of the birth of Arun on Mama's position in the community?
(a) It is more complex.
(b) It is elevated.
(c) It is more stable.
(d) It stays the same.
30
22. What disappoints Papa about Arun as Arun gets older?
(a) Arun is interested in law.
(b) Arun does not view his father as infallible.
(c) Arun will not eat meat.
(d) Arun believes females are the equal of males.
23. What does Papa demand at his meals?
(a) Meat.
(b) Intelligent conversation.
(c) Silence.
(d) For his family to listen to his daily soliloquies.
24. What does Papa do professionally?
(a) Becomes involved in politics.
(b) Begins winning famous trials.
(c) Becomes a judge.
(d) Retires from his law practice.
25. Why does Uma seldom have privacy anymore by Chapter 4?
(a) Her sister is still at home and unmarried and looks to Uma for companionship.
(b) Her brother bothers her constantly to play with him.
(c) Her parents seldom leave the house.
(d) Her mother has two more children.
26. Why does Uma give Ayah much of Uma's clothing?
(a) Uma is the soul of generosity.
(b) Uma wants Ayah to help her escape.
(c) Ayah blackmails Uma.
(d) So Ayah will leave Uma alone.
27. When does Mira-Masi occasionally appear at Uma's home?
(a) When Mira-Masi is en route to some spiritual adventure or pilgrimage.
(b) When Uma's father demands Mira-Masi's presence.
(c) When Mira-Masi's husband sends her away for some time.
(d) When Mira-Masi needs more money from Papa.
28. About what religion does Mira-Masi tell stories to Uma and Aruna?
(a) Islam.
(b) Hindu.
(c) Buddhist.
(d) Shinto.
31
162. What does the cashier ask Mrs. Patton at the grocery store?
(a) If Melanie is feeling better.
(b) If Rod has a date yet for the social at the country club.
(c) If Mrs. Patton is pregnant.
(d) If Mr. Patton still wants his weekly meat order.
163. About what does Mrs. Patton question Arun on the way home from the
grocery store?
(a) If Rod has a girlfriend.
(b) If he likes Melanie.
(c) If Mrs. Patton looks fat.
(d) If Melanie is still throwing up regularly.
164. What about Mrs. Patton's behavior bothers Arun?
(a) Her telling him why she is unhappy with Mr. Patton.
(b) Her flirtatious manner.
(c) Her callous disregard for Melanie's well-being.
(d) Her trying to get him to agree with her in front of her husband.
165. What does Arun see Melanie eating in the kitchen in Chapter 25?
(a) Donuts.
(b) Ice cream.
(c) Tablespoons of cocoa.
(d) Greasy ribs.
166. Where does Mrs. Patton invite Arun to accompany her and Melanie?
(a) The park.
(b) The swimming hole.
(c) The outdoor rock concert.
(d) The movie theater.
167. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie even though he does not
want to do so?
(a) He cannot think of a reasonable excuse.
(b) He feels pity for Mrs. Patton.
(c) He hopes to be a good influence on Melanie.
(d) He wants to get out of the way of Mr. Patton, who is angry.
168. Why does Arun jump into the water and lands in a belly flop?
(a) He doesn't know how to drive.
(b) A bee is chasing him and he is trying to get away.
(c) He is showing off for Melanie.
(d) He is shocked because Mrs. Patton removes all her clothes.
51
169. What does Arun find when he tires of the water and swims ashore?
(a) Both Melanie and Mrs. Patton are nowhere to be found.
(b) Melanie is asleep.
(c) Rod has arrived.
(d) Mrs Patton is asleep.
170. What does Arun find in the woods?
(a) Melanie holding a stray cat.
(b) Melanie lying on the ground covered in vomit.
(c) Melanie having sex with her boyfriend.
(d) Melanie holding a book of poetry.
171. What does Melanie do when she sees Arun walk up to her in the woods?
(a) Asks Arun to read a poem to her.
(b) Vomits again.
(c) Hastily starts putting on her clothes.
(d) Hands the cat to Arun.
172. What does Arun do when Melanie responds to seeing him in the woods?
(a) Drops the cat.
(b) He is at a loss and does nothing.
(c) Yells at the boyfriend.
(d) Refuses to read to her.
173. What does Arun have difficulty comprehending?
(a) Why Americans value pets so much.
(b) Melanie's angst.
(c) Why Mrs. Patton refuses to see the truth about Melanie.
(d) The way Melanie's boyfriend treats her.
174. What saves Arun from having to react any further to Melanie?
(a) Rod comes walking up.
(b) Melanie runs off.
(c) Melanie's boyfriend orders Arun to leave.
(d) Mrs. Patton arrives.
175. What does Arun receive before he leaves for the dormitory?
(a) A letter from his betrothed in India.
(b) A cancellation of his engagement from his betrothed family in India.
(c) A letter denying Arun financial aid at school.
(d) A package from Uma.
52
176. How does Mrs. Patton respond when she finds Melanie at the swimming
hole?
(a) She faints.
(b) She is aghast.
(c) She tells Melanie she has to go see a psychiatrist.
(d) She pretends Melanie has the flu.
177. What arrives that is intended to help Arun survive the Massachusetts winter?
(a) A small space heater.
(b) Nothing.
(c) A down jacket.
(d) Tea and a warm shawl.
178. Where is Melanie when Arun leaves the Patton household at the end of the
book?
(a) Out with her boyfriend.
(b) At the movies with Rod.
(c) Locked in her bedroom.
(d) In an institution for those with eating disorders.
179. What practice is Mrs. Patton considering adopting?
(a) Meditation.
(b) Painting.
(c) Yoga.
(d) Tai Chi.
180. What does Arun give Mrs. Patton as a parting gift?
(a) A vegetarian cookbook.
(b) A book on meditation.
(c) The shawl and tea.
(d) Nothing.
53
Multiple Choice Questions Key
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. A
10. D
11. C
12. B
13. D
14. C
15. B
16. B
17. D
18. B
19. A
20. A
41. D
42. A
43. C
44. B
45. D
46. C
47. D
48. C
49. B
50. D
51. A
52. A
53. D
54. C
55. C
56. A
57. C
58. D
59. B
60. D
81. C
82. D
83. C
84. B
85. C
86. D
87. C
88. D
89. C
90. A
91. A
92. A
93. A
94. A
95. C
96. B
97. A
98. B
99. D
100. C
121. A
122. B
123. C
124. A
125. D
126. D
127. D
128. B
129. C
130. D
131. A
132. B
133. C
134. A
135. A
136. C
137. A
138. A
139. A
140. B
21. B
22. C
23. A
24. D
25. C
26. D
27. A
28. B
29. A
30. B
31. C
32. D
33. A
34. C
35. C
36. C
37. B
38. B
39. B
40. D
61. C
62. B
63. D
64. C
65. A
66. C
67. C
68. B
69. D
70. C
71. C
72. D
73. C
74. B
75. C
76. A
77. C
78. D
79. A
80. D
101. D
102. A
103. C
104. A
105. C
106. D
107. C
108. B
109. A
110. C
111. D
112. B
113. B
114. B
115. D
116. B
117. C
118. C
119. C
120. D
141. D
142. C
143. D
144. D
145. C
146. A
147. B
148. C
149. A
150. D
151. A
152. D
153. A
154. B
155. A
156. C
157. C
158. C
159. B
160. B
54
161. D
162. C
163. C
164. B
165. B
166. B
167. A
168. D
169. D
170. B
171. C
172. B
173. B
174. D
175. D
176. B
177. D
178. D
179. C
180. C
Short Answer Questions
1. What two countries are the settings for “Fasting, Feasting”?
2. What does Uma spend her life doing?
3. Where is Arun at the opening of the novel?
4. What is Papa's vocation?
5. Around what does Mama build her life?
6. What does Papa do every day after work?
7. What do Mama and Papa do on occasional evenings at the club?
55
8. To what kind of life do Uma and Arun resign themselves?
9. What irritates Papa when they go to the park?
10. What does Uma do when they return from the park and her parents sit on the
swing?
11. What do Uma and Aruna feel about their mother's pregnancy?
12. How does Papa act once he gets home from the hospital after Mama delivers a
baby boy?
13. When is the new baby boy born?
14. What does Uma say about having to take care of her new baby brother?
56
15. What decision do Uma's parents make that displeases her?
16. How old is Uma at the opening to Chapter 3?
17. Where does Uma sneak off to one day?
18. What does Uma do when she finds the person for whom she is searching in
Chapter 3?
19. How does Uma get home from her trip she sneaks off to make?
20. How does Uma's mama respond to Uma's return?
21. What is the result of the birth of Arun on Mama's position in the community?
57
22. What disappoints Papa about Arun as Arun gets older?
23. What does Papa demand at his meals?
24. What does Papa do professionally?
25. Why does Uma seldom have privacy anymore by Chapter 4?
26. Why does Uma give Ayah much of Uma's clothing?
27. When does Mira-Masi occasionally appear at Uma's home?
28. About what religion does Mira-Masi tell stories to Uma and Aruna?
58
169. What does Arun find when he tires of the water and swims ashore?
170. What does Arun find in the woods?
171. What does Melanie do when she sees Arun walk up to her in the woods?
172. What does Arun do when Melanie responds to seeing him in the woods?
173. What does Arun have difficulty comprehending?
174. What saves Arun from having to react any further to Melanie?
175. What does Arun receive before he leaves for the dormitory?
79
176. How does Mrs. Patton respond when she finds Melanie at the swimming
hole?
177. What arrives that is intended to help Arun survive the Massachusetts winter?
178. Where is Melanie when Arun leaves the Patton household at the end of the
book?
179. What practice is Mrs. Patton considering adopting?
180. What does Arun give Mrs. Patton as a parting gift?
80
Short Answer Questions Key
1. What two countries are the settings for “Fasting, Feasting”?
India and the United States.
2. What does Uma spend her life doing?
Being subservient to her parents' demands.
3. Where is Arun at the opening of the novel?
In the United States.
4. What is Papa's vocation?
Lawer.
5. Around what does Mama build her life?
Meeting Papa's needs.
6. What does Papa do every day after work?
Play tennis.
7. What do Mama and Papa do on occasional evenings at the club?
Play cars.
81
8. To what kind of life do Uma and Arun resign themselves?
Comfort and boredom.
9. What irritates Papa when they go to the park?
The number of people there.
10. What does Uma do when they return from the park and her parents sit on the
swing?
Bring her parents lemonade.
11. What do Uma and Aruna feel about their mother's pregnancy?
Shame.
12. How does Papa act once he gets home from the hospital after Mama delivers a
baby boy?
Exuberant.
13. When is the new baby boy born?
At the end of the summer.
14. What does Uma say about having to take care of her new baby brother?
Her school work is suffering.
82
15. What decision do Uma's parents make that displeases her?
Uma will not return to the convent school.
16. How old is Uma at the opening to Chapter 3?
20.
17. Where does Uma sneak off to one day?
St. Mary's school.
18. What does Uma do when she finds the person for whom she is searching in
Chapter 3?
She collapses.
19. How does Uma get home from her trip she sneaks off to make?
The school van.
20. How does Uma's mama respond to Uma's return?
Mama is very angry.
21. What is the result of the birth of Arun on Mama's position in the community?
It is elevated.
83
22. What disappoints Papa about Arun as Arun gets older?
Arun will not eat meat.
23. What does Papa demand at his meals?
Meat.
24. What does Papa do professionally?
Retires from his law practice.
25. Why does Uma seldom have privacy anymore by Chapter 4?
Her parents seldom leave the house.
26. Why does Uma give Ayah much of Uma's clothing?
So Ayah will leave Uma alone.
27. When does Mira-Masi occasionally appear at Uma's home?
When Mira-Masi is en route to some spiritual adventure or pilgrimage.
28. About what religion does Mira-Masi tell stories to Uma and Aruna?
Hindu.
84
29. Where does Uma accompany Mira-Masi when the old woman visits?
The temple.
30. When does Uma almost drown?
When participating in a ritualistic dip in the Ganges.
31. Why does Uma's world suddenly brighten one day in Chapter 5?
Her cousin Ramu arrives.
32. Why do Mama and Papa not approve of what has happened at the opening to
Chapter 5?
Ramu arrives without any prior warning.
33. Where does Uma go to dinner with a relative?
Carlton Hotel.
34. What does Uma drink when out to dinner?
Shandys.
35. Why are Mama and Papa angry when Uma returns home after dinner out with
a relative?
She is very late.
85
36. Who wants to take Uma to an ashram?
Mir-Masi.
37. What happens with Mira-Masi when she leaves Mama and Papa's home to go
to the ashram?
She rallies health-wise.
38. How does Uma get to the ashram?
On a tonga ride.
39. Where is the ashram situated?
At the foot of some hills.
40. What is the room like where Uma is shown at the Ashram?
Bare.
41. What does Uma say the atmosphere at the Ashram is like?
Very quiet.
42. When does Uma hear human voices at the Ashram?
During morning and evening prayers.
86
162. What does the cashier ask Mrs. Patton at the grocery store?
If Mrs. Patton is pregnant.
163. About what does Mrs. Patton question Arun on the way home from the
grocery store?
If Mrs. Patton looks fat.
164. What about Mrs. Patton's behavior bothers Arun?
Her flirtatious manner.
165. What does Arun see Melanie eating in the kitchen in Chapter 25?
Ice cream.
166. Where does Mrs. Patton invite Arun to accompany her and Melanie?
The swimming hole.
167. Why does Arun go with Mrs. Patton and Melanie even though he does not
want to do so?
He cannot think of a reasonable excuse.
168. Why does Arun jump into the water and lands in a belly flop?
He is shocked because Mrs. Patton removes all her clothes.
104
169. What does Arun find when he tires of the water and swims ashore?
Mrs Patton is asleep.
170. What does Arun find in the woods?
Melanie lying on the ground covered in vomit.
171. What does Melanie do when she sees Arun walk up to her in the woods?
Hastily starts putting on her clothes.
172. What does Arun do when Melanie responds to seeing him in the woods?
He is at a loss and does nothing.
173. What does Arun have difficulty comprehending?
Melanie's angst.
174. What saves Arun from having to react any further to Melanie?
Mrs. Patton arrives.
175. What does Arun receive before he leaves for the dormitory?
A package from Uma.
105
176. How does Mrs. Patton respond when she finds Melanie at the swimming
hole?
She is aghast.
177. What arrives that is intended to help Arun survive the Massachusetts winter?
Tea and a warm shawl.
178. Where is Melanie when Arun leaves the Patton household at the end of the
book?
In an institution for those with eating disorders.
179. What practice is Mrs. Patton considering adopting?
Yoga.
180. What does Arun give Mrs. Patton as a parting gift?
The shawl and tea.
106
Eight Week Quiz G
Name: _________________________
Period: ___________________
This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 2,
Chapters 26 - 27.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What does Uma do that astonishes Papa in Chapter 12?
(a) Lectures her parents on gratitude.
(b) Tells her parents she is unhappy.
(c) Spills the coffee all over herself and Papa.
(d) Serves the coffee herself.
2. Why does Arun decline Rod and his father's invitation to join them?
(a) Arun does not feel part of the family.
(b) Arun is tired and wants to sleep.
(c) Arun is going out with a couple boys from India.
(d) Arun wants to call his father.
3. What is Papa's vocation?
(a) Baker.
(b) Lawer.
(c) Policeman.
(d) Merchant.
4. What does Mr. Patton not acknowledge?
(a) Arun's opinions.
(b) His son's opinions.
(c) The state of his family's mental health.
(d) Mrs. Patton's desire for a vegetarian lifestyle.
5. Who does not come to the table for dinner at the Patton house?
(a) Melanie and Susie.
(b) Rod.
(c) Susie.
(d) Melanie and Rod.
137
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Papa write to Arun about Mrs. Patton?
2. Why does Aruna gently chide Uma in Chapter 8?
3. What does Uma fear as she dials a phone number in Chapter 9?
4. What does Papa rant about on the train ride home from Uma’s new husband’s
place?
5. How often does Aruna bring her children to visit her parents and Uma?
138
Multiple Choice Questions Key
1. A
2. A
3. B
4. D
5. D
Short Answer Questions Key
1. What does Papa write to Arun about Mrs. Patton?
She is willing to let Arun live there for the summer.
2. Why does Aruna gently chide Uma in Chapter 8?
To get her to improve her appearance and behavior.
3. What does Uma fear as she dials a phone number in Chapter 9?
Her papa will appear.
4. What does Papa rant about on the train ride home from Uma’s new husband’s
place?
The injustice of Uma's misfortune.
5. How often does Aruna bring her children to visit her parents and Uma?
Seldom.
139
Mid-Book Test - Hard
Name: _________________________
Period: ___________________
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3)
essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Mama tell Uma she must say to a man who comes to see her?
2. Why do Mama and Papa travel to the city after reading the newspaper?
3. Why does Uma's world suddenly brighten one day in Chapter 5?
4. What does Papa rant about on the train ride home from Uma’s new husband’s
place?
5. Where is the ashram situated?
164
Short Essay Questions
1. Why does Papa want the family to eat meat, and who will not do so?
2. How does Uma feel about Mira-Masi?
3. What makes one possible husband for Uma not ideal, but why do Mama and
Papa decide to negotiate anyway?
4. How do Uma and Aruna feel about Anamika's engagement?
5. What is Uma's life like at the home of her new husband?
6. Why does Papa go and bring Uma back home from her new husband's
household and how does he react?
165
7. How does Aruna feel about Uma's lack of marriage prospects?
8. What does Mama do each day to prepare Papa for the day?
9. What does Uma do one night when Mama and Papa have gone out?
10. How does Uma compare herself to Aruna?
166
Essay Topics
Essay Topic 1
Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if
they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:
a) Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why
or why not?
b) Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Fasting, Feasting
help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character
and abilities when reading Fasting, Feasting? Why or why not?
c) Choose one specific incident in Fasting, Feasting to discuss and compare one of the
characters' response to how you think you would respond.
Essay Topic 2
Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about
the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:
a) Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Will Desai. What in Desai's
background may have helped her in writing Fasting, Feasting? What may have
influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?
b) Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or
why not? Give examples.
c) What does the term "author agenda" mean?
d) Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Desai's agenda.
Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Desai's probable agenda concerning
that idea.
e) Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?
Why or why not?
f) How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?
Explain your answer with examples.
Essay Topic 3
The author connects Uma's strange, almost epileptic, fits to religious or spiritual events.
The first time Uma collapses in one of her fits, she is in the presence of Mother Agnes at
167
the Catholic convent school. Uma spins out of control, writhes on the floor, and shrieks
hysterically when Mira-Masi tells Uma that she has the mark of the Lord on her. It is not
clear yet why these fits happen at these specific times; but the author may be trying to
symbolize Uma's need for release from her imprisoned life. Spirituality may be one
method of achieving some sort of freedom. The fits may also symbolize the precipice of
a new life for Uma who is likened to an infant when the pilgrim at the ashram hits Uma
on the back to restart her breathing just as if Uma is freshly born again.
a) Discuss the reasons Uma’s fits might be considered either an escape or defense
mechanism.
b) Discuss the symbolism of Uma’s fits in relationship to life with Uma’s parents.
c) Do you think Uma has control over her fits? Why or why not?
168
Short Answer Key
1. What does Mama tell Uma she must say to a man who comes to see her?
That Uma made the treats that are being served.
2. Why do Mama and Papa travel to the city after reading the newspaper?
To check out a possible suitor for Uma.
3. Why does Uma's world suddenly brighten one day in Chapter 5?
Her cousin Ramu arrives.
4. What does Papa rant about on the train ride home from Uma’s new husband’s
place?
The injustice of Uma's misfortune.
5. Where is the ashram situated?
At the foot of some hills.
Short Essay Answer Key
1. Why does Papa want the family to eat meat, and who will not do so?
Eating meat is a habit Papa has tried to instill in his family as a sign of a better-educated
and more progressive household, but Papa realizes, much to his chagrin, that Arun will
not eat meat.
169
2. How does Uma feel about Mira-Masi?
Uma revels in Mira-Masi's stories of Hinduism and delights in the tales of the gods and
goddesses whom Mira-Masi almost considers to be her own family members.
3. What makes one possible husband for Uma not ideal, but why do Mama and
Papa decide to negotiate anyway?
Although the man who is a potential husband for Uma lives with his extended family,
which is not an ideal situation for a newly married couple, Mama and Papa decide to
proceed with marriage negotiations because the options for Uma are decidedly slim.
4. How do Uma and Aruna feel about Anamika's engagement?
Uma and Aruna are struck with disappointment for the beautiful Anamika to be tied to
someone so seemingly unsuitable for such a girl, on whom fortune has always smiled.
5. What is Uma's life like at the home of her new husband?
Uma is left with her rude mother-in-law and other female family members while her new
husband leaves for work. Uma is given domestic chores and learns that her husband is
to be away for quite a while.
6. Why does Papa go and bring Uma back home from her new husband's
household and how does he react?
Papa arrives with the news that Uma's new husband is already married with four
children and living in another town. Papa, infuriated at having been duped once more in
this matrimonial game, rants at the family members to no avail and leaves the house
with Uma in tow.
7. How does Aruna feel about Uma's lack of marriage prospects?
Aruna begins to lose her patience with the situation that thwarts her own progress. She
170
starts to gently chide Uma into changing her appearance and behavior in order to make
herself more appealing to prospective bridegrooms.
8. What does Mama do each day to prepare Papa for the day?
Mama sees Papa off each morning, making sure to pack Papa's tennis clothes, so that
Papa can play before returning home each evening where he will find Mama waiting for
him on the veranda.
9. What does Uma do one night when Mama and Papa have gone out?
For years, Uma has collected Christmas cards given to her by Mrs. O'Henry, the Baptist
missionary's wife, Mother Agnes, and other friends who know of Uma's love for the
cards. When she is alone this night, she takes out the collection and enjoys looking at
them.
10. How does Uma compare herself to Aruna?
Uma cannot help noticing that Aruna instinctively knows how to dress and behave in
public, while Uma feels awkward and dowdy.
171