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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 is unique about the camp in Rira?

2. How long does it take for Gikonyo wake, after hitting his head in "Chapter 8"?

3. In "Chapter 14," how does the crowd react to General R.'s speech?

4. In "Chapter 10," how many people does Mumbi say died in the trenches?

5. After killing Robson, what did Kihika want Mugo to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Chapter 10," how does Karanja describe losing his job as chief?

2. What happens when Gikonyo and Warui visit Mugo in "Chapter 12"?

3. What does General R. say about Githua in "Chapter 9"?

4. Why does Gikonyo meet Warui in "Chapter 12"?

5. What is the independence celebration like?

6. What happens when Gikonyo meets Karanja on the street in "Chapter 7"?

7. Why does Koina say he killed Dr. Lynd's dog?

8. What is Gikonyo's life like in the concentration camp?

9. How does Gikonyo feel after talking to Mugo about his problems in "Chapter 8"?

10. How does Mumbi explain to Mugo about her affair with Karanja?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the theme of loneliness in "A Grain of Wheat,"

Essay Topic 2

Consider the settings of village, detention/concentration camp and town. How does setting affect the characters who interact in these places?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the author's use of flashback in this novel. Several characters have flashbacks to the beginning of the Emergency and of the Movement. How does this device work? Is it effective or ineffective? Why?

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