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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 detective writer did Ngũgĩ begin to read and attempt to emulate in Chapter 50?

2. What was Ngũgĩ having doubts about when he began reading Albert Schweitzer?

3. In Chapter 55, Ngũgĩ studied hard for exams in the hopes of attending which university?

4. Which friend was Ngũgĩ able to speak with and give money to send home to his mother in Chapter 58?

5. Which Emily Bronte book introduced Ngũgĩ to a different way of storytelling?

Short Essay Questions

1. To keep their minds off of the things, what did the prisoners do that made the day go by faster according to Ngũgĩ?

2. How did Ngũgĩ’s conversation with Lady Teacher help him with his own spiritual doubts?

3. Who did Ngũgĩ, Joshua, and Nicodemus encounter when they were walking back from Limuru and what did she say?

4. What was the letter that John gave to Ngũgĩ, and what did it mean to him?

5. How did Ngũgĩ know the Akamba people prior to volunteering to build them a community center?

6. What does Ngũgĩ mean when he says that Alliance did not divide Africans across racial lines?

7. What was the “comedy” Ngũgĩ saw in being taken to Kiambu Remand Prison?

8. When Good Wallace visited Ngũgĩ on Sunday, alone this time, what did he tell him that made him feel hopeful? was it true?

9. Describe Ngũgĩ’s final meeting with Edward Carey Francis to receive his Leaving School Certificate.

10. What did the judge say Ngũgĩ was accused of, much to his surprise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Mugumo tree is a recurring symbol throughout the book. Consider its meaning and particularly what Ngũgĩ’s mother says of the tree on page 99. Write an essay on its significance.

Essay Topic 2

What does Ngũgĩ mean when he says “the immortality of literary creations” (66) in Part II? What author and scenario is he discussing at the time?

Essay Topic 3

What is Ngũgĩ ‘s tone when describing villagization? Use examples of word choice to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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