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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 does the narrator say happened the day Kenyetta was arrested?

2. What does Karanja think about the note Mumbi writes him?

3. In "Chapter 13," what does Mugo remember about the night Kihika murdered Robson?

4. What event cheers up the independence ceremony in "Chapter 14"?

5. In "Chapter 8", what does Githua say the Kenyan government has done?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mugo remember about the night Kihika killed Robson?

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

3. What happens when Mumbi meets with Mugo in "Chapter 13"?

4. What is Mwaura's relationship with General R. in "Chapter 10"?

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

6. How does Mr. Thompson feel at his going away party?

7. How does Karanja feel about his life in "Chapter 14"?

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

9. In "Chapter 13," what worries Mumbi about the coming celebration?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering the span of the entire novel, how does the author symbolize Kenyan independence?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the romantic relationships in "A Grain of Wheat." How are they influenced by politics?

Essay Topic 3

Gikonyo's story is considered tragic by the narrator. Is Gikonyo tragic? Why or why not?

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