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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. Back in Africa, why does Salim feel sympathy for the President?

2. What did one of Indar's lecturers suggest for him?

3. What news does Salim get from Uganda?

4. How does Salim see Raymond and Yvette after reading Raymond's articles?

5. After lunch, what does Salim imagine about Yvette's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has become of Indar?

2. How does the situation in the town deteriorate after the Youth Guard is disbanded?

3. How does Salim learn more about Raymond?

4. How does Salim begin to compare himself with Mahesh?

5. What is a clear sign that the President is now taking charge of his own destiny?

6. What indicates the end to the boom times in the town?

7. What is the conclusion Salim draws about the relationship between Yvette and Raymond?

8. Explain the basis for Indar's depression.

9. Explain Zabeth's concern for her son Ferdinand.

10. Explain Salim's obsession with Yvette.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Write about what you have learned about third world countries from reading A BEND IN THE RIVER. Mention the difficulties of travel, the problem of endless red tape, the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the uncertain political climate that seems to change from day to day.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper about African religion. Use Zabeth as an example and discuss the religious significance of the carved wooden masks. Also refer to Father Huismans' interest in the religious artifacts he collects and why he thinks they are historically significant.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample