View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The region of Sri Lanka that the cashier comes from is once what?

2. When the cashier experiences technical difficulties, what does he consider doing?

3. Where does the cashier invite the narrator to?

4. In what language does the narrator try to speak to the cashier?

5. Why does the cashier turn off the outside lights?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the gas station cashier want the narrator to speak with his boss?

2. When Mr. Salgado leaves for a weekend trip to his cousin's tea estate, what additional responsibilities does he give Triton?

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

4. What does Triton do right after he fills up the tank of his old Volkswagen?

5. What happens when Mr. Salgado returns home from his trip to the tea estate?

6. Who is the narrator of the story?

7. Where does this story begin?

8. Describe the relationship between Triton and Mr. Salgado.

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

10. Why does Triton often seek refuge in Lucy-amma's kitchen?

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

Describe the relationship between Miss Nili and Triton. How does she try to help him? How does Triton respond? Does he have a secret crush on her? Why or why not? How do his thoughts about her evolve as he grows?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 778 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample