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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. Mr. Salgado tells Triton that Dias is dead and explains that he ___.

2. What do Robert and the journalist want to know when they stop by to visit Mr. Salgado?

3. What does Miss Nili do when Mr. Salgado accuses her of sleeping with Robert?

4. What does Triton do while the men at the poker party chat over drinks?

5. Where do the Christmas Eve dinner guests retire to while Triton clears the table?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Triton feel about the sea?

2. Despite his misgivings, Mr. Salgado accepts the job offered to him by his friend, Mr. Dias Liyanage. How does this affect Triton?

3. What does Mr. Salgado do on Christmas Eve?

4. Explain how the ocean is used as a significant symbol in "Part III, A Thousand Fingers".

5. What transformations does the household undergo after Miss Nili moves into Mr. Salgado's house?

6. Describe the tension that exists between Mr. Salgado and the journalist who comes to ask him questions about sea erosion.

7. What happens after Mr. Salgado accuses Miss Nili of sleeping with Robert?

8. During the festive dinner party at his home with Miss Nili and several other distinguished guests, what does Mr. Salgado talk about?

9. Why is the death of Sri Lanka's "most flamboyant millionaire" a hot topic of conversation among Mr. Salgado, Miss Nili, and their circle of friends?

10. Describe Triton's experience at the Christmas Eve dinner.

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 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.

Essay Topic 3

Describe in detail several of the images the author creates through his narrative to bring the tropical Sri Lankan setting to life for the reader.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,061 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample