Question

the postmaster
skill:
story elements
reread paragraphs 18 and 19 from \the postmaster.\ then, using the checklist on the previous page, answer
the multiple - choice questions below.
your turn

1. how does the economic setting affect the characterization of ratan in this scene?

a. it suggests that ratan has nothing better to do than care for the postmaster.
b. it hints that the postmaster should pay ratan for the many services she provides.
c. it highlights the postmaster’s position as an authority figure to ratan.
d. it shows that women, even young ones like ratan, were expected to care for men.

1. the setting of this scene affects the impact of the development of the plot by—

a. including a flashback to a conflict between the postmaster and his family.
b. introducing the inner conflict ratan is experiencing about her role in the postmaster’s life.
c. heightening the growing tension in the story through the depiction of the weather.
d. showing the climax of the story as the postmaster struggles to rely on ratan for help.

1. which statement best evaluates the way the author uses details about the economic context of the

story to develop the theme in this scene?
a. the use of the word dada clearly shows that the orphan ratan has come to rely on the
postmaster as much as he has come to rely on her, which suggests a theme of family.
b. the postmaster’s inability to go to work in a tough economic climate due to sickness strongly
develops themes of life’s unfairness.
c. the doctor’s visit clearly highlights that other men in the town are of a higher status than the
postmaster, which introduces themes of jealousy.
d. ratan’s eagerness to take on a parental role to the postmaster strongly develops a theme
relating to money and power.

Explanation:

To solve these questions, we analyze each option based on the story "The Postmaster" and story element concepts:

Question 1:

• Option A: The economic setting (likely a rural, limited - opportunity setting) implies Ratan has no better options than caring for the postmaster. This fits with how economic context shapes her role.
• Option B: The question is about Ratan's characterization, not payment for services. Eliminate.
• Option C: The focus is on Ratan, not the postmaster's authority over her. Eliminate.
• Option D: The economic setting doesn't show a gender - based care expectation. Eliminate.

Question 2:

• Option A: There's no flashback to a conflict between the postmaster and his family. Eliminate.
• Option B: The setting (e.g., the postmaster's illness in a certain environment) can introduce Ratan's inner conflict about her role as she cares for him. This makes sense for plot development.
• Option C: The weather depiction isn't a main factor in heightening tension. Eliminate.
• Option D: This isn't the climax (climax is a more intense turning point, not just relying on help). Eliminate.

Question 3:

• Option A: The word "Dada" (a term of endearment) shows mutual reliance between Ratan (orphan) and the postmaster, developing the theme of family - like bonds. This is a strong evaluation of economic context (their situation leads to this bond) and theme development.
• Option B: The postmaster's inability to work due to sickness in a tough economy is a stretch for "life's unfairness" as a main theme here. Eliminate.
• Option C: The doctor's visit doesn't introduce jealousy themes. Eliminate.
• Option D: Ratan's parental role doesn't relate to money and power themes. Eliminate.

Answer:

1. A. It suggests that Ratan has nothing better to do than care for the postmaster.
2. B. introducing the inner conflict Ratan is experiencing about her role in the postmaster’s life.
3. A. The use of the word Dada clearly shows that the orphan Ratan has come to rely on the postmaster as much as he has come to rely on her, which suggests a theme of family.