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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the social setting so different for Salim?

2. In what way is Salim optimistic about the town?

3. What does Indar lecture about when Salim attends his class?

4. What is the habit of Mahesh that always seems to fail?

5. Why is the Belgian clerk upset?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give some details about Father Huismans' hobby.

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

3. Describe Mahesh and his desire to strike it rich.

4. What happens to stop the impending threat of war in the area surrounding the town?

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

6. Describe the rumors about the new complex being built near the town.

7. What is happening with the town shortly after Salim arrives?

8. Explain the change in the relationship between Salim and Metty.

9. How does Ferdinand become a burden on Salim?

10. What makes the trip longer and more complicated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using the Domain and the houses occupied by Indar and Raymond and Yvette, write an essay about the shallowness of appearances. Using Salim's shame at showing his store and flat to Indar, discuss how putting on airs by rich appearances is ultimately not authentic.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper on the way Naipaul develops the character of Indar. Start with his early optimism about a European education. Discuss why you think he was never really successful. Explain how Naipaul creates Indar as a person who over values his own importance. Trace his arrival at the Domain with his chance meeting of the American and running into Raymond at the American millionaire's house.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on your opinion about how dictatorships are formed. Use Raymond's influence over the President that saw him enter the army as a young man, rise to the top in the military, and end up taking control of the whole country. Do you agree that this is a fairly accurate depiction of how dictators gain power through the military?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 763 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample