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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 Karanja think about the note Mumbi writes him?

2. What is unique about the camp in Rira?

3. What does Gikonyo do to avoid Mumbi and her child in "Chapter 8"?

4. What does Gikonyo first think of when he wakes in "Chapter 8"?

5. What type of shop does Mugo visit in "Chapter 8"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Mugo feel after talking to Githua in "Chapter 8"?

4. What does Mugo say happened when he turned in Kihika?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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