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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Obi's distraction about the situation with his family affect his journey back to Lagos?
(a) He drives quickly because he is anxious to get back to Clara.
(b) He drives in a daze and almost has a head-on collision.
(c) He decides to drive carefully so he can plan what to do.
(d) He drives recklessly because of his anger.

2. What does the author reveal about a special aspect of Nigerian culture, when the two couples go out on a date?
(a) There are three types of drinks at the bar: European, Intimate and Ecstatic.
(b) There are three ways of dressing to go dancing: European, Intimate and Ecstatic.
(c) There are three ways of dancing the "High-life": European, Intimate and Ecstatic.
(d) There are three sections of the club: European, Intimate and Ecstatic.

3. How do the circumstances surrounding Clara's hospitalization contribute to Obi's eventual downfall?
(a) They lead to their break-up and the worsening of his financial situation.
(b) They cause him to leave Clara and become more careless about money, finally accepting a bribe.
(c) They lead to Clara's death, more expenses, and his loss of hope.
(d) They lead to his mother's death and Obi's decision to return to England.

4. What happens that makes Obi smile while reading that evening?
(a) Obi writes a poem that evening.
(b) Obi re-reads his first collection of poems written while he was studying.
(c) Obi reads his poetry to remind him of the carefree days in London.
(d) Obi finds an old paper on which he had written a poem about Nigeria.

5. What is Clara's response when she hears of Elsie's role in trying to secure a scholarship?
(a) Clara warns Obi about getting himself into trouble.
(b) Clara is angry that Obi allowed Miss Mark to come in.
(c) Clara is angry that Miss Mark came to Obi's house.
(d) Clara believes offering money is better than offering one's body and laughs.

6. What literary device does the author use in the reference to Pilate in describing Isaac's attitude to "the written word?"
(a) Mythological allusion.
(b) Literary allusion.
(c) Biblical allusion.
(d) Historical allusion.

7. What is Christopher's response to hearing that Obi turned down advances from Elsie Mark?
(a) Christopher calls him "the biggest ass in Nigeria" for being faithful to Clara.
(b) Christopher calls him "the biggest ass in Nigeria" because he has left the girl thinking him impotent.
(c) Christopher calls him "the biggest ass in Nigeria" for trying to change the world.
(d) Christopher calls him "the biggest ass in Nigeria" for missing such an oppportunity.

8. What character traits does Christopher display in the incident when he and Obi discuss the possibility of Clara's pregnancy?
(a) He is an idealistic and simple young man.
(b) He is sympathetic and caring.
(c) He is a pragmatic young man who understands the ways of his world.
(d) He is a callous and greedy young man.

9. What does Clara say about their engagement the night before Obi goes home on leave?
(a) She suggests they postpone announcing it.
(b) She says it is in everyone's best interest to call it off.
(c) She suggests they shorten the engagement and just get married.
(d) She says they should make it a long one so there is time for everyone to adjust.

10. How does the author make it clear that Obi's financial situation is deteriorating after Obi resists Mr. Mark's offer of a bribe?
(a) Obi finds it hard to live on what remains after paying the UPU and sending money to help his parents.
(b) He has fallen into debt with the UPU and owes someone at the office.
(c) He cannot find the money he promised to send to his parents.
(d) He cannot find the money to pay John's fees and he owes Clara money.

11. What are Obi's early responses to the death of his mother?
(a) He cries like a child and feels guilty about not keeping vigil for his mother.
(b) He is too overcome by all his troubles to feel anything for his mother.
(c) He believes maybe now he can marry Clara.
(d) He is relieved although it is too late to save the situation with Clara.

12. How does Obi finally get caught for his involvement in bribery?
(a) Mr. Green has a spy follow Obi home and sees him accepting money.
(b) A visitor returns with a stranger who finds Obi with marked bills after paying Obi money.
(c) Mr. Omo sees Obi accepting money from a scholarship applicant at the club.
(d) An undercover policeman pays him a bribe with marked bills.

13. Despite coming to like Christopher, what does Clara fear about him?
(a) That his womanizing will rub off on Obi.
(b) That Chrisopher will dissuade Obi from marrying her.
(c) That Obi will waste his money entertaining Christopher.
(d) That his careless spending will rub off on Obi.

14. What does Obi turn to for solace when at home in his distress after refusing dinner?
(a) A.E. Houseman's "Collected Poems."
(b) A.E. Houseman's poems about Nigeria.
(c) T. S. Eliot's poetry collection.
(d) Shakespeare's Sonnets.

15. How bad is the situation when Obi's insurance bill actually arrives?
(a) The insurance costs £42 and Obi has £13 in the bank.
(b) The insurance costs £60 and Obi has £15 in the bank.
(c) The insurance costs twice what Obi expected.
(d) The insurance has to be paid much sooner than Obi expected.

Short Answer Questions

1. To which literary character does Obi compare Mr. Green?

2. How does the author use the conversation between Obi and Marie Tomlinson to broaden the portrayal of Mr. Green's character?

3. When Obi finally reaches Clara's house, how does he relate the outcomes of his visit home?

4. How does Christopher react to Obi's news that Clara might be pregnant?

5. What does the incident with Clara's abortion reveal about this aspect of life in Lagos?

(see the answer keys)

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