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Nectar in a Sieve

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English Honors Assignment

English 2

• ISBN-13: 9780451531728 ISBN: 0451531728

The life of a simple peasant woman in a primitive village in India is told as her entire life becomes a gallant, persistent battle to care for those she loves.

Through the eyes of Rukmani, a peasant woman from a small village in India, Nectar in a Sieve explores painful and disturbing aspects of poverty and a village's transformation from agriculture to industry. Rukmani's strong and loving marriage and her devotion to her children provide hope and dignity in the midst of such deplorable conditions. Additional insights into pain and suffering are presented in conversations between Rukmani and Kenny, a British doctor who lives in the village.

A study guide will be provided. You will be required to complete portions of study guide activities and questions in addition to submitting an essay.

This essay assignment is asking for your personal reflections based on the novel Nectar in a Sieve. You must cite a minimum of 3 outside sources to gain understanding of the story’s themes and historical context, as well as, to provide support for your ideas and positions.

Essay Questions (answer one or two)

1. How does Ruku’s experience as a daughter, wife and mother inform her relationship with her daughter Ira?

2. How does the arrival of the tannery affect Ruku and the rest of the village?

3. Discuss the relationship between Ruku and Kunthi. What motivates Kunthi to behave as she does?

4. Discuss Ruku’s sons. How do their fates relate to and affect Ruku? 


5. Why does Ruku become so attached to Puli? What does his character symbolize?

You should make specific references to the novel to support your conclusions, and cite outside sources in MLA format. Submit a 4-6 page typed essay that responds to one of the above question. Do not retell the story.

Please submit work by April 8, 2016

Mr. Tucker

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