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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. After how many years do Henderson and Frances get a divorce?

2. To where does Ricey take a day trip?

3. Why does Itelo refuse to kill Henderson?

4. What is the name of Itelo's aunt?

5. Who is the wrestling champion of the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Henderson head off to the remote parts of Africa?

2. What convinces Henderson to go to Africa with Charlie and his wife?

3. Describe Mtalba's visit with Henderson.

4. Why does Henderson feel depressed after the wrestling match?

5. What do Lily and Henderson do in Paris?

6. What does Ricey do with the black baby?

7. How are Henderson and Romilayu greeted at the Wariri village?

8. What does Henderson get from playing the violin?

9. How does Henderson intend to help the villagers?

10. In what way is Henderson caught between Lily and Frances?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "The character of Henderson is a portrayal of American societty's increasingly individualistic outlook. Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Henderson's decision to leave his family for such a long time. Do characters such as Ricey and Lily need him to stay? How does his decision affect them? Does Henderson have an alternative to going to Africa, one that that still allows him to discover who he is? Is such an act could potentially destructive to a family? What does it say about American society that he decides to leave?

Essay Topic 3

Examine all the philosophical ideas that Bellow uses in the book, for example, the philosophy of existentialism. Why is the question of human nature such an important question in this book? How do the philosophies relate to the novel and its characters. In what way does Bellow use elements such as dialogue and characterization to communicate these ideas?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 753 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample