Nectar in A Sieve
1. Why can't Rukmani and Nathan
stay with their son Murugan in the
city?

He refuses to
acknowledge them as
his parents.

He is too poor to
provide for them.

He has abandoned his
family.

They fear his
disapproval.


2. In the novel, the land gives and the
land takes away, suggesting that
life is
1. predictable
2. simple
3. cruel
4. cyclical

3. Why does Rukmani go to Kenny
for help?

1. She hopes that he will
give all her sons
employment.

2. She believes that his
western medicine can
help her have more
children.
She wants someone to

3. appreciate her ability to
read and write.
She is eager to
convince him to marry
her daughter Ira.

4. They fear his
disapproval.