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 happens when Opokuya drives off with Esi's old car?

2. What does Esi find unacceptable about Ali's new secretary?

3. What does Ali say when Esi asks him if he has talked to Fusena about Esi?

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

5. Why does Esi feel rejected?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What indication is there that Ali and Esi are starting to have difficulties in their relationship in Chapter 10?

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

4. What happens that makes Fusena give her consent to Ali marrying Esi?

5. Describe Kubi and Oko's interaction.

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

7. Give the main highlights of Opokuya and Esi's conversation.

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

9. What does Kubi relate when he returns from Esi's home and what do they conclude?

10. What insecurities and fears does it bring up for Fusena when Ali mentions that his intended second wife has a university degree?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Changes: A Love Story. Questions that Aidoo most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Aidoo's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Aidoo's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Ama Ata Aidoo and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a novel is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Changes: A Love Story is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Titles can often say much about a story. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think there is something ironic about the title Changes: A Love Story? Why or why not. Discuss fully.

2. Who changes and why? Are the changes positive? Do they demonstrate a new understanding or wisdom?

3. Is it likely that Ali would never marry a second wife if he knew the problems it would entail? Do you think he would take on a third wife? Does he change?

3.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,210 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample