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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. Why does Chief Nanga not hire the young man at the end of Chapter 4?

2. What is John's most interesting claim about the his country?

3. What does the statute Odili reads in the newspaper concern?

4. What used to be Odili's father's profession?

5. What does Peter buy for his father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impression does Odili convey in his description of Chief Nanga's library?

2. How does Odili's father treat his family?

3. What does Odili wish the people could see about Chief Nanga?

4. Why is Odili concerned when Chief Nanga voices his intention to go to the hospital with him?

5. What odd contrast is revealed in Chapter 4 by Chief Nanga's interactions with Chief Kobino and the young man applying to be a chef?

6. How does Chief Nanga speak to Mr. Jalio, and for what reason?

7. How does Odili describe the way Jean acts toward Chief Nanga?

8. On what does Odili focus during Chief Nanga's speech in Chapter 6?

9. How did Odili deal with his previous encounters with bucket latrines?

10. Describe Odili in his first encounter with Elsie in Chapter 6.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A major theme that runs throughout "A Man of the People" is the importance and perception of education. Discuss how education factors into the plot of the story: How does it affect the characters' dispositions? Does it have an influence on their political ideologies? What is the overall tone of the book toward education?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, it is unveiled that starting a democracy is a difficult process. Analyze these difficulties as they are presented in the text. Are they due largely to a lack of education? Of what kind of education? Are there any good suggestions as to how to fix the problems in the country?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the story, it is said that Maxwell Kulamo is a martyr. Analyze this statement. For what was he a martyr? How does his martyrdom advance this cause? Other than his death, what other events in the story reaffirm his status as a martyr?

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