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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 compensation does Joseph get, and what warning does he get, at the end of "Kolla"?

2. The cashier says his Sri Lankan home is near what city?

3. After escaping from Joseph, where does Triton go to wait?

4. When the narrator and cashier meet, what is happening in Sri Lanka?

5. What about Mr. Salgado captivates young Triton when they first meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the London cashier say about the situation back home in Sri Lanka?

2. In the opening scene, what kind of trouble does the cashier experience?

3. Describe the Volkswagen introduced in the first part of the book.

4. Through which character does the author choose to reveal the changing sociopolitical landscape of Sri Lanka across many decades?

5. At the start of the story, who does the narrator speak with?

6. When he is a boy, why does Triton regard Mr. Salgado's house as the "center of the universe"?

7. In "Part 1, Kolla", why is Triton left alone in Mr. Salgado's house?

8. Describe the relationship between Triton and Joseph.

9. Why is young Triton brought to Mr. Salgado's home?

10. At the start of the story, how does the narrator try to help the cashier?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes in Reef is the following: "Regardless of our efforts, change is inevitable." Using three specific examples from the book, show how the author carries this theme through.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the tragic romance between Miss Nili and Mr. Salgado. Discuss the main stages of their relationship. What draws them together? What tears them apart? How is redemption found in the end?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and determine the importance to the story of the following recurring points:

1. The making of lists.

2. The changing reefs.

3. The dreams of opening up new establishments.

(see the answer keys)

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