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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 is the name of Wole's baby sister in Chapter 7?

2. What accident does Wole cause when looking for gifts in the rafters of his home in Chapter 5?

3. In Chapter 2, what does Wole believe about St. Peter?

4. What "bad habit" does Wole admit to in Chapter 4?

5. What is called "a miracle from God" at the end of Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of the philosophical debate Wole has with Essay in Chapter 4?

2. Describe the incident in which Paa Adatan confronts Bote troops.

3. Describe the "see-saw" accident that Wole gets into with Osiki.

4. How does Wole describe the difference in odors between Essay's room and Wild Christian's room?

5. Who is Paa Adatan? Describe him.

6. Explain the origin of the nickname "Lagilagi." What happens when the family doubts Wole is worthy of such a nickname?

7. Describe the episode in which a teacher commits a sin against Essay's rose bush in Chapter 5.

8. Describe what happens at the end of Chapter 6, when Wild Christian catches Wole raiding the pantry?

9. What method of child punishment does Wole describe in Chapter 6?

10. Describe the changes that happen in the household when the new baby is on its way in Chapter 7.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the "moral" to the story of Sorowanke? Why does Wole choose to tell this story? What can the reader take away from Sorowanke and her treatment at the hands of the citizens?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the tone Wole Soyinka uses throughout Ake. What is his attitude toward the events of his childhood? How might tone reveal his intent in relaying his biography to readers? Use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Punishment, especially the punishment of children, is a common image in Ake. Cite three examples of punishment in the text. How is punished viewed, by both the punisher and the punished? Is it an effective deterrent to mischief?

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