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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. What is Indar doing in the town?

2. What comes down the river in a dugout?

3. What happens to change the relationship between Salim and Metty?

4. Why had the town been destroyed during the war?

5. What does Indar mean when he tells Salim he's where it's at.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ferdinand ask the question about African religion?

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

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

4. In what way is Father Huismans somewhat naive?

5. What does Salim observe about the foreigners at the Domain?

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

7. How do Salim and Metty begin to react with Ferdinand?

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

9. Describe what made Mahesh's wooden spoon venture a failure.

10. Describe Zabeth's business.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The subject of sex is difficult to write about tastefully. However, in many novels such as A BEND IN THE RIVER, it is essential to the story line. Write an essay on how you think Naipaul handled the subject.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Using examples of ethnic food mentioned in the novel, write an essay about how different food is important to different people. Include foods that you would miss if you suddenly were denied access to them. Also discuss to what extent you would try different foods if you visit another country.

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This section contains 682 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample