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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. How high is the platform?

2. Who does Henderson believe has the secret to his soul?

3. Who tries to calm Henderson down?

4. Which two people does Henderson feel trapped between?

5. What color garments does Henderson have to wear?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Henderson feel as he is running through the town in Chapter Fourteen?

2. How does Romilayu save Henderson from evil?

3. Why must Henderson try and lift the idol?

4. What pact do Henderson and Dahfu make?

5. What does Henderson remember about the argument with his father at Dick's funeral?

6. How does Henderson escape?

7. What is Henderson's life like as an Sungo?

8. Why will Henderson not turn back in Chapter Sixteen?

9. What is Henderson's bad feeling in Chapter Twenty?

10. Describe Dahfu's wife in chapter 18.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way does the novel reflect changes or problems that occur in Africa years later? In what way does the novel reflect the relationship between Africa and America as it is now?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Bellow use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character, Henderson, examine the way Bellow uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Examine religion in Africa. What are the main religions? How does religion in Africa affect day to day life? Has religion been the root for any conflict? What religion do they think the tribes in the book follow?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample