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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 strikes Henderson in the nose?

2. What does Itelo tell Henderson he now knows?

3. After how many years do Henderson and Frances get a divorce?

4. Of what does Miss Lennox die?

5. What reward does Henderson receive in the army?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Henderson feel depressed after the wrestling match?

2. Why does Henderson decide he must fight properly?

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

4. Describe the meeting between Willatale and Henderson.

5. In what way is Henderson caught between Lily and Frances?

6. What experience has been weighing on Henderson's mind?

7. How does Henderson intend to help the villagers?

8. Describe Romilayu and Henderson's journey to Wariri.

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

10. In what way is Willatale sympathetic to Henderson's plight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Bellow's writing style. How would you describe Bellow's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Bellow's style give to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Bellow was a socialist. Using two examples from the novel, discuss the ways the story reflects Bellow's political ideas?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of 1950's America.

1) Why is spirituality finding oneself such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters' negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think America is going through a transitional phase in the 1950's? What significant changes do you think occur during this period?

3) Does modern society share any values with 1950' America?

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This section contains 748 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample