Non-Western Literature
Nectar in a Sieve
Chapters 7-13
Name:__________________________________________
Vocabulary
1. rivulets
2. monsoon
3. listless
4. abate
5. boon
6. trollop
7. laden
8. unfettered
9. pungent
10. acutely
11. dhal
12. toddy
Chapter 7
1. What is the metaphor in the first paragraph of chapter 7?
2. How many days did it rain?
3. How does the monsoon affect Rukmani and her family? How does it affect the rest of the
village?
4. Who again reappears in this chapter? What is is mood and why? (3 pts.)
5. What unexpected food comes from the water?
Chapter 8
1. Compare and contrast Kunthi's view of the tannery with Rukmani's
2. What happens to Janaki's family?
3. What new ethnic group does the tannery bring?
4. Describe the lives of the Muslim women. How does Rukmani feel towards them?
Chapter 9
1. Why does Ira's husband reject her? What ironies are apparent in this rejection?
2. What reference to the caste system is in this chapter?
3. Why does the oldest son go to work in the tannery?
4. Why does Thambi not join his father in working the land?
5. What articles of clothing does Rukmani never think of wearing and why?
Chapter 10
1. This chapter is one of the happiest moments in the family's life. What is the festival that is
celebrated?
2. Describe the festival's festivities:
Chapter 11
1. Why does Rukmani visit Kenny? Why is he so exasperated with her?
2. Who does Rukmani encounter on her way home?
3. What is Kunthi doing out so late at night and what does she accuse Rukmani of?
4. Why does Ira's husband not take her back?
5. What event transforms Ira and her mood?
6. What worries Rukmani about Ira's future and who comforts her?
Chapter 12
1. What happens at the tannery? Why do Nathan and Rukmani not understand?
2. What is the statement of foreshadowing on page 64?
3. What are Arjun and Thambi participating in when they don't go to work?
4. Where to Arjun and Thambi intend to go work?
5. Why do they decide to go?
6. Where is the third son working? How did he acquire his position?
7. What “encumbrances” does Kenny have?
8. Why does Kenny come and go so much?
9. Why do you think he can only “take [the Indian] people in small doses”?
Chapter 13
1. There was a monsoon in chapter 7. What natural disaster now happens?
2. What does Rukmani do to try to remedy the situation?
3. What do they sell to keep the land?
4. Why do they not sell the seed?
5. What is the irony that comes at the end of this chapter?