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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. Who sometimes helps Joshua with the Sunday service?

2. What rumor circulates about Joshua?

3. Which of these is not a god worshiped by the Kikuyu?

4. What is the thingira?

5. How did Waiyaki feel the morning of the ceremony in Chapter Three?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nyambura feel about the river?

2. How does Waiyaki feel about the initiation celebrations?

3. What stops the boys' fight in Chapter Two?

4. How does Waiyaki feel on the morning of his second birth ceremony?

5. What is Chege's explanation for why antelope run from men?

6. Why are the two boys fighting in Chapter Two?

7. What are Sundays typically like for Joshua?

8. What is the source of antagonism between the people of the two ridges?

9. Describe the festivities of initiation eve.

10. How does Joshua feel about the rite of circumcision?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much is said in "The River Between" about what a religion needs to be and should be. Explain what Ngugi's idea of how a religion can work for and with the culture it is part of. Please be specific.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Chege and Joshua. Use at least three specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

How important is Waiyaki's "yearning for something more" in the development of his character? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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