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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 was the name of the prison to which Ngũgĩ had to go to receive his final confirmation in Chapter 21?

2. During an English Lesson, Principal Smith guided students on the use of simple words claiming that who spoke simple English?

3. What is the name of the first full length play Ngũgĩ attended at Alliance?

4. In Chapter 1, what is the one thing left standing where Ngũgĩ’s home used to be?

5. When the Russians launched Sputnik II, what animal was on it that caused outrage?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Ngũgĩ so happy to return home after first term exams?

2. Who were the Acrossians and why were they called that?

3. What did Ngũgĩ see at the event for Lord Baden Powell that he found most moving?

4. Describe Ngũgĩ’s friendship with Kenneth Mbgũa.

5. Why does Ngũgĩ refer to Alliance as a sanctuary?

6. Why and when did the Saturday Evening paper begin and what did Ngũgĩ like about it?

7. What are the big changes Ngũgĩ describes at the beginning of Chapter 32?

8. What did Ngũgĩ learn happened to his mother while he was at school?

9. Ngũgĩ says that schools were separate and unequal, thus sports were the only way to compare abilities. What does he say the games between Alliance and other all white schools became a metaphor for?

10. After Harold MacMillan replaced Anthony Eden as British Prime Minister, several countries gained their independence. Please list which countries gained their independence and from whom.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Point of View. In what ways does the story being told from Ngũgĩ‘s point of view effect the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

On page 23, Ngũgĩ’s English teacher discusses the importance of using simple language when writing. Consider the example the instructor uses of the wordy language many new students use. Discuss why you think simple language is more effective.

Essay Topic 3

Write a short essay on the use of imagery in In the House of the Interpreter. Consider words like bloodhounds, pear tree, fortress, sanctuary. What do they mean in the context of the story? What feelings do these words evoke? Is it effective? Why or Why Not?

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