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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 the clear difference between Salim and Father Huismans, aside from religion?

2. The palace once built by a businessman in town is now serving what purpose?

3. How does Ferdinand react to the army coming to town?

4. What African artifacts interest Father Huismans the most?

5. Who sold him the store he is going to run?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Ferdinand become a burden on Salim?

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

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

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

8. For what is the President's complex to be used?

9. What is everyone's perception of Raymond?

10. Describe Zabeth's business.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper on the way Naipaul develops the character of Indar. Start with his early optimism about a European education. Discuss why you think he was never really successful. Explain how Naipaul creates Indar as a person who over values his own importance. Trace his arrival at the Domain with his chance meeting of the American and running into Raymond at the American millionaire's house.

Essay Topic 2

Write a two-page summary of A BEND IN THE RIVER. In your summary include only the major theme of the novel and the transformation of Salim from east coast living to his experiences in the town to his leaving at the end of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper expressing your feelings about living in a free society as opposed to the picture of life in A BEND IN THE RIVER. Enumerate the things you enjoy that Salim and the people in the town did not. Use the idea of a thirty-year-old man attending his first party where there were women present as one of your points.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample