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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 Dahfu say that Bunam is trying to manipulate Henderson with?

2. What do the wome throe HEnderson into?

3. Which of the following is one of Lily's bad traits?

4. What color is the executioner dressed in?

5. What do the villagers kick and mock?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the women do with Henderson in Chapter Fourteen?

2. What is Dahfu's conviction about people?

3. Describe Henderson's first morning at the village.

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

5. What do Henderson and Dahfu think about each other?

6. Describe Dahfu's wife in chapter 18.

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

8. What bet do Henderson and Dahfu make?

9. What are Dahfu's dying words to Henderson?

10. How does Henderson imitate the lion's behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Henderson the Rain King is a famous book which has greatly influenced modern literature. Choose a book written after The Rain King that you think was influenced by the novel and discuss there similarities in terms of

a) plot

b) character

c) themes.

Essay Topic 2

Look at the following statement: "In order to cope and understand death, people need to have an understanding of their spiritual nature." Argue for or against the statement using examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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