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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. After Bamako, how is Esi feeling about her marriage?

2. Who begins banging on Esi's door?

3. What does Esi propose she and Ali do as far as her family?

4. Why does Fusena sometimes call Ali at Esi's house?

5. What surprises Ali and Esi after they have made love?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Opokuya wonder about Fusena, Ali's first wife?

2. What do the older women think about Ali marrying Esi?

3. What does Esi find out about Ali's secretary and what does she decide to do?

4. What does Ali buy Esi and what is her reaction?

5. Why would it have been different if Oko had taken a second wife?

6. For what does Ali apologize to his people and how does he rationalize his actions?

7. What does the conversation between Ama and Aba concern at the opening to the second part of Changes?

8. What is Esi's mother's hesitation about Esi marrying Ali and what does Esi think about this?

9. What does Esi's father ask Ali concerning his intentions to marry Esi, and what is Ali's response?

10. Describe Esi's conversation with Opokuya three months after ending her marriage with Ali.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Esi catches her breath in her office and laughs bitterly as she realizes she has suffered marital rape though it is impossible in her society since sex from his wife is a man's right. Discuss the following:

1. Research and write an informative on the rights of husbands and wives in two very different cultures.

2. Can a man be guilty of raping his wife? Should he be punished just like any other rapist? Why or why not?

3. Rape is considered an act of violence and is usually a display of power or control. Discuss whether you think the balance of power in a male-dominated culture keeps that country from thriving.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character Esi. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think she is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Ali. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy?

3. Thoroughly discuss two characters of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be enemies?

Essay Topic 3

When the older women of Ali's family are tasked with talking to Fusena, they feel bad. There is an understanding among the women that it is a man's world and a woman can only survive if she knows how to live as a woman in it. Yet, they are shocked by how little has changed for their daughters despite receiving educations.

1. Research the educational system of Ghana and discuss what you find including answering the following questions: a. Is access to education equal between males and females? Do males with the same education have better jobs or pay than females? What is the average educational level for men? Women? Does education seem to make a difference for women?

2. Research the educational systems in the United States and compare and contrast it with the Ghanaian educational system. How has the availability or lack of educational opportunities helped or hurt a country's general living conditions? In your opinion, what does the United States need to do to improve their educational system? What does Ghana need to do to improve their educational system?

3. Research the educational systems in several countries around the world; choose at least one country considered to be "third world," and one labeled "Western world" (other than the United States and Ghana). Compare and contrast their educational systems. How has the availability or lack of educational opportunities helped or hurt a country's general living conditions? In your opinion, what does the United States need to do to improve their educational system?

(see the answer keys)

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