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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 does Ali wonder about his ancestors?

2. What does Esi see through Ali's gifts?

3. Why would Esi's mother have thought it alright for Oko to take another wife?

4. What does Ali do but is unable to keep up?

5. What traditional rule has been already broken concerning Ali and Esi according to Opokuya?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ali propose to Esi and what is her response?

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

3. Describe Kubi and Oko's interaction.

4. Why is Opokuya feeling sorry for herself and what can she do about it?

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

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

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

8. Who arrives at Esi's house while Ali is still there and what happens?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Changes: A Love Story ends on an unhappy or seemingly depressed tone. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Changes: A Love Story and whether or not Changes: A Love Story fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Changes: A Love Story is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be more positive? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The subject of marriage is woven throughout Changes: A Love Story. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the following exchange between Opokuya and Esi in Chapter 11: Esi claims monogamy is so stifling. Opokuya, correcting her, says that she probably means marriage. Do you think Esi does mean monogamy? Compare/contrast the difference in meaning depending upon whether Esi means monogamy or marriage.

2. In that same chapter, Opokuya expresses the thought that Esi is very brave for trying an alternative lifestyle. Do you think Esi is brave or unwise? Or both? Discuss thoroughly using examples from the text.

3. Is Esi a pioneer in her country? Discuss thoroughly using examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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