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. What is Wole's problem at the beginning of Chapter 4?

2. Why does Wild Christian admonish Essay at the beginning of Chapter 4?

3. What is a "saara?"

4. What "job" is Wole given at the end of Chapter 5?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the general features of the compound in which Wole lives mentioned in Chapter 1.

2. Describe the solution accomplished for ridding Uncle Sanya of his oro spirit?

3. Describe the family's reaction when Wole returns home from his journey through Ake in Chapter 3.

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

5. What bad habit does Wole admit to in Chapter 4, and how is he cured of it?

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

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

8. What is the origin of the Jonah rock?

9. Describe Chapter 1's account of who Essay is.

10. How does Wole manage to wreck a rose bush at the end of Chapter 5? What is the consequence of his action?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the nature of Wole's relationship to his community? How close are members of the community to one another? Can it be said the community is tribal? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Racism is a somewhat common theme in the text, especially the friction between white colonialists and the native Africans. How much of the racist sentiments and beliefs expressed in the text are justified, and how much are characterized as excessive or ridiculous? What might Wole himself say about the presence of racism, and its effect on his life?

Essay Topic 3

Wole describes several misconceptions he accumulates as a child. Cite three examples of Wole's childish misconceptions of things or events. Why might Wole be sharing these misconceptions with us? What do the frequency of misconceptions tell us about Wole's childhood, and the act of being a child in general?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,137 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample