“Stench of Kerosene” by Amrita Pritam EXERCISES

Pre- Reading: You are going to read a short story called “Stench of Kerosene”. Do you
know what “stench” means?

a) Read lines 1 to 29 from the story and complete:

Setting:
Characters:
Situation:

b) Now continue reading up to line 40 and answer:

1- Where was Guleri going? How often did she use to go there? What did she ask
her husband?
2- Why do you think Manak wanted her not to go this time?
3- Manak says: “My mother …….” And he didn´t finish his sentence. What do
you imagine he was trying to say?
4- Will Manak go to the fair at Chamba? How do you think the story will continue?

While-Reading: Answer the following questions.

1- Describe Manak’s feeling and memories on the day he and his wife left for
Chamba.
2- What were Guleri and Manak’s family customs and traditions? (Mention special
clothes and accessories, marriage requirements, festivals/ celebrations
mentioned in the story)
3- What role did Manak’s mother play in his life?
4- How did Manak learn of Guleri’s death? How did he react?
5- How far did Manak’s mother prove to be right when she said Manak would
change as soon as the child was born?
6- Why is the story called “Stench of Kerosene”?

After Reading:

a) Working in groups, discuss the following questions:

1- Could Manak have disobeyed his mother? What do you think would have
happened if he had done that?
2- Guleri decided to commit suicide. How would you have reacted ?