A Bend in the River | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Book 1, Chapter 1

1. What is the situation at the beginning of the novel?

2. What makes the trip longer and more complicated?

3. What is going through Salim's mind as he travels deeper into the interior?

4. Describe Zabeth's business.

Short Essay Question - Book 1, Chapter 2

5. Describe Salim's family.

6. What does Salim think about the slaves on the east coast of Africa?

7. How do Salim and his friend, Indar, escape the area where their families live?