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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. To which of the following does Richard speak in Kano as he returns from Martin’s wedding?

2. Which of the following does Ugwu note is a likely suitor for his sister?

3. To which of the following levels of schooling had Ugwu attained before entering Odenigbo’s service?

4. Which of the following activities does Richard note having shared with Martin in their childhood?

5. Which of the following does Ugwu bring Olanna during her convalescence?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Richard note wanting Kainene to accompany him to Martin’s wedding in London?

2. What reason does Ugwu voice for not killing a gecko?

3. How does Ugwu’s aunt describe Odenigbo at the beginning of the novel?

4. What is the first ethical question Odenigbo poses to Ugwu?

5. What reasons does Olanna have for not accompanying Odenigbo to his conference in Ibadan?

6. What does Olanna report to Odenigbo upon her return to Nsukka after the second coup?

7. Why does Richard initially assume Kainene is the mistress of a Nigerian politician?

8. What chores does Ugwu adopt early in his service to Odenigbo?

9. Explain the meaning of “Better be late than THE late” (32).

10. Why does Odenigbo reject the idea of pan-Africanism?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout Half of A Yellow Sun, there are glosses presented of sections of other books that are mentioned in the novel as being composed by characters within the novel. What effect do the presentations have, and how is that effect achieved?

Essay Topic 2

After the revelation of Richard’s infidelity to her, Kainene does not turn him out, but claims such “would be too easy” (321). Is she correct in the claim? What in Half of A Yellow Sun and in experience suggest that she is or is not? How does it do so?

Essay Topic 3

Consider Odenigbo’s apologies for infidelity in Chapter 20. How much credence should be lent them? What in Half of A Yellow Sun accounts for that amount of credence? How does it do so?

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