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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. Who convinces Chief Kobino to delay the construction project between Anata and Giligili for which Chief Nanga is pushing?

2. When does Odili's mother die?

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

4. Whom does Odili visit at the beginning of Chapter 6?

5. From where does Chief Nanga get his bus-investment money?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Chief Nanga scorn his old nickname, "M.A. Minus Opportunity"?

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

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

4. What personal goal does Odili not considering asking for help in achieving, as stated in Chapter 2?

5. Why is Odili's father hated?

6. In what way does Jean primarily reveal her insensitivity towards Nigeria and Nigerians?

7. What series of events leads up to Odili's disillusionment with the POP.?

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

9. What is unusual about Mrs. Akilo and Chief Nanga's affair?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The CPC announces that it must avoid being branded communist. Why does it want to avoid such? What ideals does it nonetheless hold? What names are mentioned in members' conversations? Do such ideals seem a practical resolution to the problems facing Nigeria? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

A subtle theme in "A Man of the People" is the disparity in sexual equality throughout Nigerian society. How are women portrayed as less important throughout the story? How is this status quo challenged? What female character embodies resignation to this standard, and what character challenges it? How is this shown in the story?

Essay Topic 3

As the chief protagonist and narrator of the story, Odili undergoes dramatic changes throughout the narrative, but as he is the one describing them, he does not explicitly state them. Trace the outline of Odili's character development and changes, being sure to answer the following questions:

1) In what regard does Odili primarily change?

2) In what ways does Odili seem to change, but ONLY seem?

3) What other characters and events have the biggest influence on Odili's changes?

(see the answer keys)

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