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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. Where does Salim go on his first airplane flight?

2. Back in Africa, why does Salim feel sympathy for the President?

3. What does Salim notice when he gets out of the country?

4. What happens when Salim introduces Indar to Shoba and Mahesh?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What has become of Indar?

4. Explain Salim's obsession with Yvette.

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

6. How does Indar's behavior on the steamer show that he is not as sure of himself as he told Salim he was?

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

8. Explain the changes that took place with Salim's shop while he was away in London.

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

10. Why does Indar think moving African intellectuals around the continent would be good for Africa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

At the end of the novel, Salim is leaving the town and it is inferred he will return to London and marry Kareisha. The marriage arrangement was tacitly made years ago when Nazruddin sold his store in the town at a loss. Write your opinion of arranged marriages as opposed to the western way of dating before marriage.

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