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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 happens at the end of Salim's visit to London?

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

3. Where does a friend of Indar's take him?

4. Why was Indar turned down at the Indian High Commission?

5. What does Salim learn from Yvette about Raymond's writing?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain Salim's obsession with Yvette.

3. What has become of Indar?

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

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

6. How does Salim react to Nazruddin's letter from Uganda?

7. How are things different socially for Salim after his return from London?

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

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

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

All through the novel there are changes in people as events unfold. Write an essay about how people and places change with the passing of time. Use either examples from the novel or personal examples of people you have known for a long time and places you have known and how they have changed after a long period of being apart.

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 an essay on your opinion about how dictatorships are formed. Use Raymond's influence over the President that saw him enter the army as a young man, rise to the top in the military, and end up taking control of the whole country. Do you agree that this is a fairly accurate depiction of how dictators gain power through the military?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 791 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample