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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. Where was Ngũgĩ headed to when his bus was stopped by police in Chapter 57?

2. Earlier on the day he was stopped on the bus to Limuru, what did Ngũgĩ purchase with his salary?

3. What did Ngũgĩ determine to read when he first saw the school library?

4. What post are Ngũgĩ and the other captives taken to first in Chapter 60?

5. When Ngũgĩ‘s brother held his hand in Chapter 74, Ngũgĩ said it was clear that he was his what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the fight between The Bishop and The General.

3. What is the “partnership in crime between criminals and crime busters” Ngũgĩ refers to on page 206?

4. What did Ngũgĩ and Johnny the Red have in common?

5. What good news was Ngũgĩ bringing home to Limuru when he was stopped on the bus?

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Ngũgĩ’s first visit to the school library.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Ngũgĩ was hesitant to undress in front of everyone to shower as it was customary in his village for the circumcised and uncircumcised to shower separately (16). Discuss why this is important to the story. In what way does this tell the reader about Ngũgĩ, his past experience and the learning process he is going through at Alliance?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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