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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. Who does Salim think about who had been driven on foot along the same road he travels?

2. Who is the narrator of the story?

3. Why does the Belgium not eat the food in the lycee dining room?

4. Why does Salim buy the store from Nazruddin?

5. What request does Ferdinand make of Salim?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what way is Father Huismans somewhat naive?

3. Why is Indar edgy after the party?

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

5. How does Ferdinand become a burden on Salim?

6. What is Salim's assessment of Father Huismans?

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

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

9. Give some details about Father Huismans' hobby.

10. Describe Zabeth's business.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of living in fear runs throughout the novel. Write an essay on how humans are affected by constant fear. Explain how you would deal with the constant threat of corrupt police, high crime, and instability of the government.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample