New York, NY, June 2006— Signet Classics, the imprint of New American Library devoted for more than 40 years to publishing inexpensive paperback editions of more than 300 of the world's greatest literary works, has announced the winners of the ninth annual Signet Classics Scholarship Essay Contest. The Grand Prize Winners, listed in alphabetical order, are:

• Jacinta Ghaly
  Jacinta is in 12th Grade, Cherokee High School North, Marlton, NJ.
  
• Jay Markson
  Jay Markson is in 12th Grade, Apponequet Regional High School, Lakeville, MA
  
• Samuel Pimentel
  Samuel Pimentel is in 12th Grade, The International School of the Hague, Netherlands
  
• Alina Sayre
  Alina Sayre is in 12th Grade, homeschooled, Plantation Christian School, San Jose, CA
  
• Daniel Smith
  Daniel Smith is in 12th Grade, St. David's School, Raleigh, NC

Essay Subject: Nectar in the Sieve

Topics for the 2006 Essay Contest:

1. In what ways does "Kenny" seem fully accepting of Indian culture and in what ways does he seem less so, even somewhat patronizing? Do his flaws and incorrect assumptions outweigh the genuine good he does for individual Indians like Ruku and Puli. Cite specific examples to support your answer.
   
2. Progress in the form of technological advancement, though beneficial to society as a whole, may represent sorrowful and bewildering change for some individuals. How does this dilemma, as depicted in Nectar in a Sieve, a novel written in the 1950s, seem relevant to our globalizing world? Give specific examples from the novel in support of your answer.
   
3. Different thinkers have different views on basic human nature. Some believe people are naturally good; others believe they are evil; and still others believe that every person is neutral, a blank slate, whose personality and behavior are shaped by environment and individual experiences. In Nectar in a Sieve, many of the characters exist at subsistence level, struggling to survive. What does Markandaya's portrayal of these people suggest about her view of human nature? Support your answer with specific references to details in the novel.
   
4. In the Introduction to the Signet Classics edition of Nectar in a Sieve, Indira Ganesan states: "Conflicts arrive in this novel under many guises" (p. xi). Give examples to support this critical statement.
   
5. Given the arbitrary and often destructive role of Nature in the lives of Rukmani and Nathan, why do they continue to love the land? Do you admire them? Support your answer with specific references to details in the novel. 

Entrants are required to submit a 2-3 page double-spaced, typewritten essay, answering one of four questions relating to the designated competition book. Essays must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the themes in the book; clear, concise writing; and logical, well-supported arguments. Judges also consider style, content, grammar and originality. Five Grand Prize Winners are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a Signet Classics Library for their school (or local public library, in the case of home-schooled students), valued at $1,700.

The designated title for 2005-2006 was Nectar in the Sieve by Kamala Markandaya. The book selected for the 2006-2007 Signet Classics Scholarship Essay Contest is Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift.

For more information on the 2007 Signet Classics Essay Contest contest, click here.

Entry forms and full information about the contest will also be available in high school English departments, or by writing to:

Penguin Group (USA)
Signet Classics Scholarship Essay Contest
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014

New American Library is a division of Penguin Group (USA), part of Pearson Plc, the international media group, and includes the imprints Signet, Signet Classics, Onyx, Roc and NAL Trade Paperbacks.

Penguin Group (USA) would like to thank our friends at Family Education Network and PBS for their support of the Signet Classics Essay Contest.

For more information, please contact
Carolyn Birbiglia, Penguin Group (USA) Publicist, at 212-366-2203.