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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. Why is Salim released from detention to fly back to his home?

2. In the light of day, how does Salim see Yvette's and Raymond's house?

3. What does Salim hold onto in the face of all this corruption?

4. How have Salim's ideas shifted since his affair with Yvette?

5. What does Salim fear is behind the letter from Nazruddin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Salim learn more about Raymond?

2. Explain the basis for Indar's depression.

3. Explain Salim's obsession with Yvette.

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

5. What was the social gaffe that got Yvette excluded for the President's social events?

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

7. What is a clear sign that the President is now taking charge of his own destiny?

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

9. How does the situation in the town deteriorate after the Youth Guard is disbanded?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper on the development of Ferdinand from the time he was sixteen-years-old until last seen in the novel as a young government official. Explain how Naipaul makes those changes and give your opinion as to how accurate he is in doing so.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 9, Indar describes his visits to the Indian High Commission in London. Write a paper on how Indar exhibits the prejudices of the caste system of India even though he had never been to India in his life. Write your paper on your feelings about classifying people according to the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, and the level of their education.

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 764 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample