Global Studies Name Nectar in a Sieve Chapters 1 through 7

Global Studies Name ________________________________

Nectar in a Sieve Chapters 1 through 7

Answer the following questions fully, in complete paragraphs, and include specific details from the novel.

Question 1

“What for you,’ my mother would say, taking my face in her hands, ‘my last-born, my baby? Four dowries is too much for a man to bear.’” (chapter 1)

Explain the meaning of this quotation and describe the marriage that was arranged for Rukmani. Use evidence from chapters 1 through 7 to evaluate how good of a husband Nathan was to Ruku.

Question 2

“A man is indeed fortunate if he does not marry above him, for if he does he gets a wife who is no help to him whatsoever, only an ornament.” (chapter 1)

Explain the meaning of this quotation and describe the role and status of women in traditional Indian society.

Question 3

“I have no sons,’ I said at last, heavily, ‘Only one child, a girl.’” (chapter 3)

With who does Ruku share this confession? How does he help her? Why do you think she keeps it a secret from Nathan?

Question 4

“Change I had known before...but the alteration was so slow that we hardly knew when it came.” (chapter 4)

Explain the change that comes to the village. What causes it? Compare Ruku’s response to it with that of the other characters. How does life for Ruku’s family and the villagers change?

Question 5

“I kept Ira as long as I could but when she was past fourteen her marriage could be delayed no longer.” (chapter 6)

Explain this quotation. Why did Ruku delay Ira’s marriage as long as she could? Describe how Ira’s marriage was arranged and the groom that was found for her.

Question 6

“Nature is like a wild animal that you have trained to work for you. So long as you are vigilant and walk warily with thought and care, so long will it give you its aid; but look away for an instant, be heedless or forgetful, and it has you by the throat.” (chapter 7)

Explain the meaning of this quotation and the negative impact that nature has on Ruku’s family and the village.