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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 fish does Triton purchase from a group of fishermen?

2. With Mr. Salgado spending more time out of the house with his new job, Triton spends more time doing what?

3. When Triton goes back to the kitchen as holiday dinner guests start to leave, how does he feel?

4. What does Triton serve the Christmas Eve dinner guests for dessert?

5. When the Christmas Eve dinner guests start to leave, what does Mr. Salgado tell Triton to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Triton feel about the sea?

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

3. 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?

4. Describe the trip Mr. Salgado, Mr. Liyanage, and Triton take to the observatory.

5. For Christmas, what does Mr. Salgado do for the first time since Triton came to work for him?

6. How does the personal transformation of Wijetunga, Mr. Salgado's work assistant, reflect the transformation taking place in Sri Lanka?

7. When his friend, Mr. Dias Liyanage, offers Mr. Salgado a job with a foundation interested in the coral business, why is Mr. Salgado reluctant to take this job?

8. How does Triton grow and evolve from "Part I, Kolla" to "Part II, Cook's Joy" in Reef?

9. How does Mr. Salgado's personality change after Nili moves into the house?

10. How is Triton's name a fitting choice in light of the story's theme and setting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Referring to specific passages from the book, explain the commentary the author makes regarding each of the following:

1. Human flaws.

2. Human resilience.

3. The persistence of hopes and dreams.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the simplicity of Triton's life as a servant with the deep wisdom he exudes in his narration and philosophical musings. In what ways does Triton exhibit greater wisdom and maturity than the supposedly more important people he's talking about?

Essay Topic 3

Through young Triton's eyes, the reader views his world as filled with promise. At some point, though, the fabric that connects his life with those around him starts to unravel. Discuss in detail when and how a sense of unraveling commences in the narrative.

(see the answer keys)

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