57 pages 1 hour read

Jhumpa Lahiri

When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1999

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Exam Questions

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Multiple Choice

1. In describing the reasons for why Lilia’s parents began to invite Mr. Pirzada over, she recalls that, “The supermarket did not carry mustard oil, doctors did not make house calls, [and] neighbors never dropped by without an invitation.” Based on this quote as well as the context of the story, which of the following sentences is true?

A) Mr. Pirzada finds these three elements to be the most challenging about life in the US.

B) There are ways of living that Lilia’s parents miss about their life in India.

C) Life in the US is similar to life in Dacca.

D) Mr. Pirzada is able to adapt to life quite easily in New England.

2. Based on Lilia’s thought process, which of the following best describes the difference between Indian and Pakistani people?

A) Languages

B) Cuisines

C) Customs

D) Borders

3. When Mr. Pirzada enters Lilia’s house one night, he remarks, “‘Another refugee, I am afraid, on Indian territory.’” Which of the following describes the literary term Mr. Pirzada uses in this quote and the effect it has?

A) He uses humor to compare their dinner to the situation on the subcontinent.

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