NECTAR IN A SIEVE

ESSAY TOPICS Honors World Literature (Ebarvia)

Choose from one of the following essay topics to write an analytical 5-paragraph essay. As you read, be sure to
use sticky notes to bookmark pages that have passages related to the essay question(s) you’ve chosen.

Option 1: Markandaya’s Point-of-View

Markandaya explores the impact that modernization has on traditional life through her characters.
On one hand, Ruku feels her traditional life threatened by the dangers of modernization and sees,
over and over again, how modernization “takes away”—her village, her sons, her land. Yet another
character, Kenny, argues that Ruku and others like her, must cry out for help when necessary.
What is Markandaya’s point-of-view? Based on the events in the novel, does Markandaya argue for
or against modernization?

Option 2: The Scales of Hope and Fear

Ruku describes hope and fear as “twin forces that tugged […] first in one direction and then in
another, and which was the stronger, no one could say”(78). Throughout the novel, developments
occur that cause Ruku and her family to feel hope and fear. Review these events and then
considering the novel as a whole, which emotion—hope or fear—does Markandaya argue is more
powerful?

Option 3: Cultural Analysis

In many ways, the characters in the novel represent a world view quite different from a Western
point-of-view. Ruku, especially, is shaped and motivated by her culture and religion (Hinduism) so
that her thoughts and actions in the novel necessitate an analysis that considers the context of her
situation. In this essay, discuss how Hinduism plays a role in the development of Ruku’s character
and the novel as a whole.

Option 4: Thematic Analysis

In this essay, argue what you believe to be the most significant theme in the novel developed by
Markandaya. When writing this essay, consider what Markandaya’s motives may have been in
writing Nectar in a Sieve, especially in her role as a Commonwealth writer (see background material).

Option 5: Symbolism
Markandaya employs several symbols in her novel. In this essay, explore the ways in which
Markandaya uses symbolism to further a particular purpose—for example, how the symbols in the
novel contribute to characterization, or how the symbols develop a particular theme. Be sure that
the symbols you choose are unified in their purpose.

Option 6: Create-your-own
If there is something else you’d like to write about, here is your opportunity. You must clear your
essay topic and possible thesis statement with your teacher first before choosing this option.

In this assignment, you must make a clear argument and defend your position. Furthermore, as there are
fewer steps in the writing process completed in class, it will be necessary for you to review your notes on the
5-paragraph essay and take the time to write, edit, and proofread multiple drafts independently or with a
partner.

Your essay must include at least two examples per paragraph. All six examples must be directly quoted
material (one example may be paraphrased with the appropriate page number). Be sure your title is
descriptive (in other words, no titles such as, “Nectar in a Sieve Essay”).