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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. In Chapter 14, what are the Good Old Pals hosting?

2. When did Queen Judith ascend the throne of Ethiopia?

3. How much room does Dandy have at his place in Chapter 18?

4. In Chapter 17, how long does Mrs. Peixota say that she and her husband gave a lease of freedom to Seraphine?

5. In Chapter 13, who does Flagg think might have Alamaya's letter from the Emperor?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 17, what does Tasan say about Pushkin and his descendants?

2. What does Dorsey Flagg think about the rumors being printed about Alamaya in Chapter 11?

3. Why can Alamaya not prove he is who he says that he is?

4. In Chapter 16, how does Jean Danou believe that democracy can be cured?

5. In Chapter 15, what do Seraphine and Bunchetta say about Harlem and why they want to live elsewhere?

6. In Chapter 11, what is said about Alamaya in the papers?

7. What happens to Castle when the Sufi and Senegambians get involved in the demonstration in Chapter 10?

8. How is the Princess Benebe Zarihana described?

9. In Chapter 14, why does Alamaya say that he can no longer see Seraphine?

10. In Chapter 13, what is the Merry-Go-Round?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

The Italian/Ethiopian conflict is an impetus for many events in the novel. How is the conflict between Italy and Ethiopia an impetus for events in the novel? What parallels are there between the conflict between countries and the conflict between communists and Aframericans?

Essay Topic 3

Although not an invited guest, Professor Koazhy joins in the parade and speeches at the beginning of the novel. How is Professor Koazhy’s presence significant? What is the importance of what he says to the audience? Why is he a pivotal character in the proceedings in the first chapter?

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