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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 Ferdinand's question at Indar's lecture?

2. What does Father Huismans think about the future of Africa?

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

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

5. What is the rumor Ferdinand spreads in the town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Zabeth's son.

2. Describe the reunion of Salim and Indar.

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

4. What happens when Father Huismans is not at the lycee when Salim goes to return the book?

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

6. Why does Salim's family send the slave, Metty, to him?

7. Give some details about Father Huismans' hobby.

8. Why is Indar edgy after the party?

9. In what way is Father Huismans somewhat naive?

10. How does Ferdinand become a burden on Salim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look up information about the Nobel Prize for Literature and write an essay about V. S. Naipaul as a Nobel Prize winner. How do you rate Naipaul as a story teller? Explain whether you think A BEND IN THE RIVER is a compelling read.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about Yvette as a classic femme fatale. Detail how she is swept off her feet by romantic visions which she later reduces to romantic stupidity. How does she use Raymond's reputation to get what she wants? State your opinion about whether she ultimately gets what she deserves.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper about means of travel in the novel. Include the advantages and disadvantages of each. What method of travel in the novel seems most reliable? State your reasons for selecting that means as opposed to the others.

(see the answer keys)

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