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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The soldiers were distressed to find out they might have killed a __________ as this would make their leader unhappy.

2. The headlines from Garrigan's interview imply that he has ___________ on his hands too.

3. Garrigan realizes he has been rescued by a band of _____________ soldiers after the battle in town.

4. If Amin had not been fighting the ____________ free fighters in Kenya, Amin says he would not have practiced cannibalism.

5. Amin laughs when Garrigan pleads for his life, saying that he will not kill someone like ____________.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Women are portrayed as being weaker in this novel - the report, Amin's wives, etc.

Part 1: Why do you think that women are seen as being weaker and harmless in this story?

Part 2: What does the character of Sara tell the reader about women during this time period?

Part 3: Do you think that Garrigan is sexist? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Within this story is the theme of loss. Garrigan loses much in the first half of the book, which may or may not have led to the rest of his trouble in the second half of the book.

Part 1: How do you think the string of losses for Garrigan will affect him as the book goes on?

Part 2: Do you think losses always have to make a person weaker? Why or why not?

Part 3: Can having many losses in your life make you more vulnerable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The media begins to call Amin's statements stranger and stranger as they continue to be broadcast on the radio.

Part 1: Why do you think the media is quick to point out the flaws and the 'craziness' in the statements of Amin?

Part 2: Do you think that Amin is truly crazy? Why or why not?

Part 3: In what ways does the media benefit from calling a dictator crazy?

(see the answer keys)

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