Indian Literature and Identity: The Diaspora

Description: Indian Literature and Identity: The Diaspora
Number of Questions: 15
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Which Indian author's novel 'The God of Small Things' explores the themes of identity and belonging in the context of the Syrian Christian community in Kerala?

  1. Arundhati Roy

  2. Amitav Ghosh

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Salman Rushdie


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arundhati Roy's novel 'The God of Small Things' is set in the backdrop of the Syrian Christian community in Kerala and delves into the complexities of identity and belonging in the context of a post-colonial society.

In Jhumpa Lahiri's novel 'The Namesake', the protagonist Gogol's struggle with his identity is primarily due to:

  1. His Indian heritage in a predominantly white American society

  2. His parents' expectations for him to excel academically

  3. His inability to connect with his peers due to his cultural differences

  4. His desire to assimilate completely into American culture


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gogol's struggle with identity in 'The Namesake' is rooted in the clash between his Indian heritage and the dominant white American culture he is surrounded by.

Which of the following authors is known for exploring the experiences of the Indian diaspora in Africa?

  1. M.G. Vassanji

  2. Rohinton Mistry

  3. Vikram Chandra

  4. Amitav Ghosh


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

M.G. Vassanji is a Kenyan-Canadian author whose works often focus on the experiences of the Indian diaspora in Africa, particularly in East Africa.

In Salman Rushdie's novel 'Midnight's Children', the protagonist Saleem Sinai's magical ability to telepathically communicate with other children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day symbolizes:

  1. The interconnectedness of all Indians

  2. The unity and diversity of India

  3. The challenges faced by India as a post-colonial nation

  4. The resilience and adaptability of the Indian people


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Saleem Sinai's telepathic ability in 'Midnight's Children' represents the interconnectedness of all Indians, regardless of their background or location.

Which Indian author's novel 'The Inheritance of Loss' explores the impact of the Partition of India on the lives of two families?

  1. Kiran Desai

  2. Arundhati Roy

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Amitav Ghosh


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kiran Desai's novel 'The Inheritance of Loss' follows the lives of two families, one Hindu and one Muslim, as they navigate the aftermath of the Partition of India.

In Rohinton Mistry's novel 'A Fine Balance', the protagonist Dina Dalal's resilience and determination in the face of adversity is a testament to:

  1. The strength of the human spirit

  2. The importance of family and community

  3. The power of hope and optimism

  4. The resilience of the Indian people


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dina Dalal's unwavering spirit and determination in 'A Fine Balance' exemplify the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Which Indian author's novel 'The Glass Palace' explores the themes of love, loss, and identity against the backdrop of the tumultuous history of Burma?

  1. Amitav Ghosh

  2. Vikram Seth

  3. Jhumpa Lahiri

  4. Arundhati Roy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Amitav Ghosh's novel 'The Glass Palace' is set in Burma and follows the lives of two families, one British and one Burmese, as they navigate the political and social upheavals of the 20th century.

In Vikram Seth's novel 'A Suitable Boy', the protagonist Lata's quest for a suitable husband reflects:

  1. The changing social norms and expectations in post-independence India

  2. The importance of family and tradition in Indian society

  3. The role of women in a patriarchal society

  4. The clash between personal desires and societal expectations


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lata's journey in 'A Suitable Boy' explores the conflict between her personal desires and the societal expectations placed upon her as a young woman in India.

Which Indian author's novel 'The Hungry Tide' delves into the complex relationship between humans and the natural world?

  1. Amitav Ghosh

  2. Rohinton Mistry

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Salman Rushdie


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Amitav Ghosh's novel 'The Hungry Tide' explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly in the context of the Sundarbans region of India and Bangladesh.

In Jhumpa Lahiri's novel 'Interpreter of Maladies', the title story highlights the challenges faced by:

  1. Immigrants in a new country

  2. Families dealing with illness and loss

  3. Couples struggling with communication and infidelity

  4. Individuals searching for meaning and connection


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The title story in 'Interpreter of Maladies' focuses on the experiences of immigrants in a new country, exploring the challenges they face in adapting to a different culture and language.

Which Indian author's novel 'The Shadow Lines' explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism?

  1. Amitav Ghosh

  2. Rohinton Mistry

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Salman Rushdie


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Amitav Ghosh's novel 'The Shadow Lines' delves into the themes of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism, particularly in the context of the Partition of India and Bangladesh.

In Salman Rushdie's novel 'Shame', the protagonist Omar Khayyam's journey of self-discovery and political awakening is set against the backdrop of:

  1. The military dictatorship in Pakistan

  2. The Iranian Revolution

  3. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

  4. The Gulf War


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Salman Rushdie's 'Shame' is set against the backdrop of the military dictatorship in Pakistan and explores the political and social turmoil of the time.

Which Indian author's novel 'The Great Indian Novel' is a satirical exploration of Indian history and culture?

  1. Amitav Ghosh

  2. Rohinton Mistry

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Shashi Tharoor


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shashi Tharoor's 'The Great Indian Novel' is a satirical take on Indian history and culture, spanning from the Mahabharata to the present day.

In Rohinton Mistry's novel 'Family Matters', the protagonist Nariman Vakeel's struggles with his family and his own identity reflect:

  1. The challenges faced by immigrants in a new country

  2. The clash between traditional and modern values in a changing society

  3. The complexities of family dynamics and relationships

  4. The search for meaning and purpose in life


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Rohinton Mistry's 'Family Matters' explores the intricate dynamics and relationships within a Parsi family in India, highlighting the complexities of familial bonds.

Which Indian author's novel 'The White Tiger' offers a scathing critique of the class divide and social inequality in India?

  1. Aravind Adiga

  2. Rohinton Mistry

  3. Vikram Seth

  4. Salman Rushdie


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aravind Adiga's 'The White Tiger' is a powerful indictment of the class divide and social inequality prevalent in India, told from the perspective of a poor villager turned entrepreneur.

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