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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. From where does the name Metty come?

2. Who is the narrator of the story?

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

4. What is Ferdinand's question at Indar's lecture?

5. Who is Salim's first customer?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the underlying mood of the villagers and what effect does it have on Ferdinand?

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

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

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

6. Explain how the reader understands that Salim is inexperienced with women.

7. In what way is Father Huismans somewhat naive?

8. Describe Mahesh and his desire to strike it rich.

9. Describe the reunion of Salim and Indar.

10. Describe Zabeth's business.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write about what you have learned about third world countries from reading A BEND IN THE RIVER. Mention the difficulties of travel, the problem of endless red tape, the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the uncertain political climate that seems to change from day to day.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 656 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample