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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 kind of creature does Romilayu say Henderson has been bitten by?

2. What does Dahfu say the Arnewi tribe resembles?

3. Which two people does Henderson feel trapped between?

4. How high is the platform?

5. What is the name of the King's uncle?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What bet do Henderson and Dahfu make?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Henderson write in his letter to Lilly?

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

9. Why must Henderson try and lift the idol?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "The character of Henderson is a portrayal of American societty's increasingly individualistic outlook. Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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