The Vendor of Sweets Chapter 5 Quiz

The Vendor of Sweets Chapter 5 Quiz

Summary of The Vendor of Sweets – Chapter 5

Jagan proudly tells everyone that his son, Mali, has gone to America. He receives a letter from Mali, stating his arrival in New York, and excitedly shares the news. He debates the cost of a telegram versus a letter and informs people about America based on Mali’s letters.

Mali writes frequently but shares only general information about America, not personal details. Jagan reads these letters repeatedly, replacing his daily Bhagavad Gita reading with them. However, after three years, a shocking letter arrives—Mali admits to eating beef and suggests India should adopt the practice instead of relying on American aid. Jagan is deeply disturbed.

Soon after, Jagan gets a cable from Mali saying he is returning home with someone. At the train station, Mali arrives with a well-dressed woman, Grace, whom he introduces as his wife. Jagan is shocked since Mali never mentioned his marriage. He is also unsure of her nationality, which makes him uneasy.

On their taxi ride home, Grace admires the town’s beauty, while Mali, unimpressed, claims that nothing has changed. Jagan worries about how Grace will adjust. At home, he awkwardly welcomes her and then escapes to his shop.

Jagan avoids acquaintances to dodge questions about Grace. The cousin indirectly asks whether Mali and Grace eat meat, but Jagan avoids answering directly. Meanwhile, Mali keeps himself busy with his old friends, showing off American goods. Jagan remains an outsider to these discussions.

One day, Grace starts cleaning Jagan’s house, calling herself an “Indian daughter-in-law.” She later expresses interest in cooking for him, but he follows a strict diet. As they talk, she encourages him about his book, saying it will be a bestseller.

Jagan eventually asks if Mali completed his studies. Grace is surprised he doesn’t know and reveals that she wrote Mali’s letters, signing them as “GM“—Grace and Mali. Jagan realizes he never actually communicated with his son directly.

Grace shares her background—she is the daughter of a Korean mother and an American soldier who abandoned them in the U.S. She met Mali in Michigan while studying domestic science, and he was in creative writing.

Mali soon demands a telephone at home for his “business associates,” shocking Jagan. As Mali speaks at length about his plans, Jagan gets distracted by his son’s habit of wearing socks with sandals, linking it to health issues. When Mali asks if he understands his business proposal, Jagan only makes vague sounds, avoiding commitment.

1. Jagan proudly boasts about Mali’s journey to America.
2. Mali writes home but shares only general details, not personal news.
3. Jagan reads Mali’s letters more than his Bhagavad Gita.
4. Mali shocks Jagan by admitting to eating beef in America.
5. A cable announces Mali’s return, but he is not alone.
6. Jagan is stunned to meet Grace, Mali’s unexpected wife.
7. Grace admires India, but Mali dismisses its charm.
8. Jagan avoids people to escape questions about Grace.
9. Grace cleans Jagan’s house, claiming to be an Indian daughter-in-law.
10. She offers to cook for Jagan, impressed by his diet.
11. Jagan learns that Grace wrote Mali’s letters, not Mali himself.
12. Grace reveals her mixed heritage and American upbringing.
13. Mali demands a telephone for his business, shocking Jagan.
14. Jagan obsesses over Mali’s habit of wearing socks with sandals.
15. Mali speaks of business, but Jagan struggles to follow his plans.

The Vendor of Sweets Chapter 5 Quiz

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