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. In the beginning of "Chapter 12," what does Mumbi ask Gikonyo?

2. Why does Mumbi say she had to rebuild her house?

3. In "Chapter 10," what does Karanja remember about his job as chief?

4. What year is it when Kenya becomes independent?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. When Mugo sees the trench in "Chapter 12," what does he think about?

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

3. Why do Gikonyo and Mumbi argue in "Chapter 12"?

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

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

6. In "Chapter 8," how does Gikonyo decide to solve his marital problems with Mumbi?

7. What happens after Karanja learns that Thompson is leaving?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Research Kenyan independence and analyze the historical accuracy in this novel.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 656 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample