Monday, March 24, 2003

Reading Response #6

Instructions

Choose one question and construct a 3-page essay based on that question. You do not need to answer every one of the questions under each number. Rather, use the questions to springboard your own thinking to create an argument about the novel and the specific passages or ideas.

Remember: an argument should be arguable, meaning that people should disagree with you. In an essay this small, you should state a very clear thesis near the beginning of your essay. Then you should back up your thesis with evidence from the text. Do not merely quote from the text but explain what the passages say and mean. Try to go beyond mere summary to really argue an important point about the text.

You do not need to include the question in your essay. Your thesis and evidence should be enough for me to know what question you are dealing with. Begin with your own introduction that leads into your thesis.

Questions

1. On page 182 Bimala makes Amulya into a “boy-god.” Why does she take up with Amulya? What role does he play and how does he fit into the nationalist and/or Mother themes in the novel?

2. How does the gramophone (184) fit into the novel? What does it represent and what does its presence mean?

3. What is Nikhil’s relationship with the Bara Rani (older sister, sister-in-law) like? Is she a replacement for Bimala? How does she fit into the theme of the importance of family and place in the novel?

4. How does Amulya’s refusal to tell lies reflect a change in Bimala’s own beliefs?