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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. By using the expression "Augean stable", what literary device is the author using?
(a) Mythological allusion.
(b) Folklore allusion.
(c) Historical allusion.
(d) Biblical allusion.

2. Why is Obi's description of the streets and market in the Lagos slum ironic?
(a) It is the same life to which Obi must return after being educated.
(b) It is a far cry from the sweet Nigeria about which he writes a nostalgic poem in England.
(c) It has not changed in all the years Obi has been away.
(d) It is nothing like his life in England.

3. While Obi is home enjoying his interaction with his kinsmen, what thoughts does he have that indicate that he harbors resentment against the British?
(a) He compares the lively village culture with the staid, boring ways of the English.
(b) He tells the villagers he has deliberately resisted learning English ways while he studied in England.
(c) He wishes the English could see the Nigerian culture and appreciate the customs.
(d) He wishes the English could hear people engaged in Ibo conversation, enjoying life.

4. As the celebration continues, how does the author use an argument about kola nuts to reveal the clash between Christian beliefs and folklore?
(a) Ibo refuses to partake in the superstitious practices involving kola nuts.
(b) Isaac objects when the elders want to sprinkle kola nut oil in the house.
(c) Isaac declares that although kola nuts are eaten in his Christian house, they are not sacrificed to idols.
(d) Isaac refuses to partake in the breaking of Kola nuts on Ibo's head.

5. Which veteran civil servant is assigned to teach Obi about office administration?
(a) Mr. Omo.
(b) Mr. Green.
(c) Mr. Umuofia.
(d) Mr. Okoli.

Short Answer Questions

1. For which island is the boat heading when Jones recites, "Water, water everywhere; but not a drop to drink"?

2. Why does the Umuofia Progressive Union meet again to discuss Obi's case on the morning of the trial?

3. How does one leader respond when Obi asks the UPU leaders to give him a four-month grace period before he has to start paying off his loan?

4. What is Nigeria's real problem according to Obi in his remarks to Christopher?

5. What is Obi's response when he and Clara go walking and she suddenly announces they cannot marry?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Joseph reacts to hearing that Clara is an osu, how does Obi demonstrate his strong feelings about the matter?

2. What warning does the Rev. Samuel Ikedi give to Obi On the occasion of the banquet that Obi's father Isaac hold for him before he goes to study in England,?

3. What are the main events involving Obi at the December meeting of the UPU attended by Joseph and Obi?

4. How is Joseph proven wrong about his assumption that the owner of the Palm Grove is a Syrian?

5. What makes Obi especially interested in a new arrival at the Pine Grove while he and Joseph are there?

6. What references to bribery show that the members are very familiar with corruption in Nigeria At the reception held to welcome Obi home?

7. What mixed feelings do members of the Umuofian Progressive Union have about Obi's situation at the beginning of the novel?

8. What sights does Obi observe and how does he respond When Obi returns to Lagos from England and visits a Lagos slum?

9. After arguing with Joseph, how does Obi first demonstrate the seriousness of his intentions to marry Clara?

10. How does the incident with the police and the lorry driver on the way to Umuofia affect Obi's views about getting rid of bribery?

(see the answer keys)

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