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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. Why does Dejean want to start a rival union?

2. How is Penda related to Dieynaba?

3. After killing the ram in "Chapter 6", what does Ramatoulaye remind the other women?

4. Why is Doudou offered money in "Chapter 12"?

5. What angers Niakoro about speaking with Ad'jibid'ji in "Chapter 1"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes N'Deye Touti feel like an outcast?

2. In "Chapter 7", what does Tiemoko think is an appropriate punishment for union workers who return to work during the strike?

3. What happens when N'Deye Touti encounters the police in "Chapter 9"?

4. What happens when the soldiers arrive in "Chapter 2"?

5. In "Chapter 9", how does Mame Sofi feel about the confrontations with police?

6. What happens when the women are sprayed with a fire hose in "Chapter 9"?

7. When does Ramatoulaye turn herself into the police?

8. In "Chapter 4", what do Daouda-Beaugosse, Deune, and Arona discuss before meeting with other union members?

9. What does Ad'jibid'ji do when the French soldiers arrive in "Chapter 7"?

10. In "Chapter 9", how does N'Deye Touti feel about the confrontations with police?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the use of symbolism in this novel. Focus on the storm, death, animals or the bits of wood.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the theme of oppression in this novel. Consider the groups of people and individuals who are oppressed. What message does the author convey about oppression?

Essay Topic 3

Research the period of history described in this novel. How is this novel accurate? How is it inaccurate? What is the effect of this?

(see the answer keys)

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