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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 Henderson like about Africa?

2. What does Itelo tell Henderson he now knows?

3. What kind of animal does Henderson farm?

4. What strikes Henderson in the nose?

5. What is the name of the man Lily marries?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lily and Henderson's marriage.

2. Describe the meeting between Willatale and Henderson.

3. Why does Henderson become a pig farmer?

4. Why does Henderson have to fight Itelo?

5. How are Henderson and Romilayu greeted at the Wariri village?

6. Describe the wrestling match between Itelo and Henderson?

7. In what way is Henderson's colonial mindset revealed in this chapter?

8. How does the wood chip change Henderson's life?

9. What do Lily and Henderson do in Paris?

10. What convinces Henderson to go to Africa with Charlie and his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Henderson's decision to leave his family for such a long time. Do characters such as Ricey and Lily need him to stay? How does his decision affect them? Does Henderson have an alternative to going to Africa, one that that still allows him to discover who he is? Is such an act could potentially destructive to a family? What does it say about American society that he decides to leave?

Essay Topic 2

Examine all the philosophical ideas that Bellow uses in the book, for example, the philosophy of existentialism. Why is the question of human nature such an important question in this book? How do the philosophies relate to the novel and its characters. In what way does Bellow use elements such as dialogue and characterization to communicate these ideas?

Essay Topic 3

Pick a character from the novel and discuss their goals and motives. Do they achieve their motives? Why? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

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This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample