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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 does Salim worry about as he thinks of Yvette?

2. What happened to Nazruddin in Canada?

3. What happens after the Youth Guard is disbanded?

4. What does Indar say about Africans abroad?

5. What signals the end of the town's boom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What indicates the end to the boom times in the town?

2. Although already captivated by Yvette, why does Salim think he might not have become involved with her?

3. What is the conclusion Salim draws about the relationship between Yvette and Raymond?

4. What does Indar tell Salim about his plans for his future?

5. Explain Zabeth's concern for her son Ferdinand.

6. What has become of Indar?

7. Why do Indar and Ferdinand both board the steamer at the same time?

8. What situation irritates Indar when he meets Shoba and Mahesh?

9. How does Salim begin to compare himself with Mahesh?

10. What encouragement did a woman lecturer give Indar in England?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample