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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. As the steamer finally leaves, why is Salim happy?

2. What happens as a backlash against the corruption?

3. Where do Salim and Yvette go after the steamer gets out of sight?

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

5. What is Mahesh's behavior while Shoba is gone?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the basis for Indar's depression.

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

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

4. How does Salim get away from the local situation for a while?

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

6. What has become of Indar?

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

8. Explain Salim's obsession with Yvette.

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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