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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. Where has Salim come from as the story opens?

2. What does Zabeth represent to Salim?

3. What accompanies Salim's paperwork when he goes to get a consignment from customs?

4. What does Salim explain to Indar after the lecture?

5. Who is the narrator of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is happening with the town shortly after Salim arrives?

2. Describe Mahesh and his desire to strike it rich.

3. For what is the President's complex to be used?

4. Why does Salim's family send the slave, Metty, to him?

5. Explain why Zabeth brings Ferdinand to see Salim.

6. What happens to stop the impending threat of war in the area surrounding the town?

7. What is the situation at the beginning of the novel?

8. In what way is Father Huismans somewhat naive?

9. Describe the reunion of Salim and Indar.

10. Describe Salim's family.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about means of travel in the novel. Include the advantages and disadvantages of each. What method of travel in the novel seems most reliable? State your reasons for selecting that means as opposed to the others.

Essay Topic 2

Write about what you have learned about third world countries from reading A BEND IN THE RIVER. Mention the difficulties of travel, the problem of endless red tape, the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the uncertain political climate that seems to change from day to day.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of living in fear runs throughout the novel. Write an essay on how humans are affected by constant fear. Explain how you would deal with the constant threat of corrupt police, high crime, and instability of the government.

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