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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why was it particularly dangerous for Alfa to do what he did with Mademba's body in Chapter II?
(a) It was a bright moon, and the enemy soldiers could see Alfa more clearly.
(b) It was considered taboo to carry another man's body on his back.
(c) He knew his own soldier comrades in the trenches would likely try to kill him when he returned.
(d) He knew the spirits would punish him for killing Mademba.

2. What is another word Alfa thinks people now think of him as, in the wake of Mademba's death?
(a) A turncoat.
(b) An imposter.
(c) A priest.
(d) A demm.

3. Why does Alfa ask Mademba to describe the soldier who stabbed him?
(a) Alfa wants to cast a spell on the soldier.
(b) Alfa wants to take the soldier's picture.
(c) Alfa wants to kill the soldier.
(d) Alfa wants to report the soldier.

4. What does Alfa understand that Captain Armand wants on the battlefield, but not back in the trenches?
(a) Compassion.
(b) Madness.
(c) Friendship.
(d) Strength.

5. What work of Pascal Quignard's does Diop reference in the beginning of Part I?
(a) Carmen.
(b) The Vase.
(c) Mourir de penser.
(d) Camelot.

6. Who wrote, "We embraced each other by our names?"
(a) Shakespeare.
(b) Joyce.
(c) Montaigne.
(d) Byron.

7. What was the only thing Alfa was thinking about as Mademba died?
(a) His prayers to his mother.
(b) Getting revenge on the soldier who killed Mademba.
(c) His own starvation.
(d) How he himself would survive the day.

8. What does Captain Armand wish to know the location of in Chapter VIII from Alfa?
(a) His crown.
(b) His uniform.
(c) The severed hands.
(d) His money.

9. What does Alfa do with Mademba's body after he dies?
(a) Carries it back to his trench.
(b) Cuts it up and buries it.
(c) Leaves it on the battlefield.
(d) Burns it.

10. What term does Alfa's unit use to refer to Black soldiers?
(a) Night Hawks.
(b) Big Men.
(c) Sorcerers.
(d) Chocolats.

11. How do Alfa's fellow soldiers react when he brings his first few "trophies" back?
(a) They are pleased with him.
(b) They shun him.
(c) They write letters to his mother about him, concerned.
(d) They are indifferent to him.

12. What does Alfa tell himself to be careful of once he decides he is free to think what he wants?
(a) Not to let in the thinking of others in disguise.
(b) Not to let oneself get too happy.
(c) Not to let oneself think too much about war.
(d) Not to pray too much.

13. Where do the soldiers Alfa kills in the night always come out of?
(a) A church.
(b) A kitchen.
(c) A mortal-shell hole.
(d) An outhouse.

14. What does Alfa imagine the Germans did for the person who killed Jean-Baptiste?
(a) Give him chocolate.
(b) Offer him tobacco and maybe even write a song for him.
(c) Give him a parade.
(d) Punish him.

15. Who is Alfa's only real white friend among his fellow soldiers?
(a) Ibrahima.
(b) Roland.
(c) Jean-Luc.
(d) Jean-Baptiste.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a totem, according to Alfa?

2. What color eyes do Alfa's enemy soldiers always have?

3. In Chapter X, what does Alfa know for sure he himself is not, even if everyone else seems to think he is?

4. What does Alfa think of himself in Chapter III when he "leaves the belly of the earth"?

5. What animal does Alfa compare Mademba to when he suffers as he dies?

(see the answer keys)

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