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

2. Why does Obi send for Charles Ibe when he sees his financial situation worsening?
(a) Obi wants to collect a bribe that Ibe promised to pay him.
(b) Obi is holding a promissory note to repay money that Ibe borrowed.
(c) Obi wants to borrow money from Ibe.
(d) Ibe knows a source of cheaper insurance.

3. 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) He cannot find the money to pay John's fees and he owes Clara money.
(b) Obi finds it hard to live on what remains after paying the UPU and sending money to help his parents.
(c) He has fallen into debt with the UPU and owes someone at the office.
(d) He cannot find the money he promised to send to his parents.

4. Why does Marie Tomlinson become suspicious when Mr. Mark asks to speak confidentially with Obi at the office?
(a) His mannerisms are secretive.
(b) Mr. Mark asks to talk confidentially to Obi and he speaks in Ibo.
(c) He hands Obi a sealed envelope.
(d) His clothing is suspicious.

5. What is the first report of Obi's involvement in bribery?
(a) A prosperous Lagos businessman hands him money to get his son to England on scholarship one evening during scholarship season.
(b) Obi accepts a bribe from a colleague whose daughter needs a scholarship.
(c) He finally accepts money to make his payments to the UPU.
(d) Obi sleeps with a scholarship applicant and then recommends her for the scholarship.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the process lead Obi to decide when he examines the "mainspring of his actions" for the first time in his life?

2. How does Obi finally get caught for his involvement in bribery?

3. What is Obi's response when Clara goes off with the doctor?

4. Where do Christopher and Obi go to play tennis with Nora and Pat?

5. What happens to Clara after her hospitalization?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the second doctor that Clara and Obi visit differ from the first?

2. Describe the two specific events after the death of Obi's mother that indicates that Obi has broken his resolve against accepting bribes.

3. As Obi returns to office while Clara is hospitalized, how do the issues discussed at work contrast with the serious problems facing Obi?

4. What event illustrates the seriousness with which those who want scholarships After Mr. Mark's visit to Obi's office treat applications?

5. After Obi returns from his visit home, how does Christopher react to Obi's news about the response of his parents to his plan to marry Clara?

6. How do the incidents at the Roman Catholic convent in demonstrate limitations on social relationships in Lagos?

7. What changes about Obi's thoughts when Obi approaches Mr. Omo about a salary advance and learns that his financial situation is even worse than he imagines?

8. What incident involving Mr. Mark at Obi's office foreshadows Obi's eventual involvement with bribes over scholarships?

9. As Obi is caught with evidence of having accepted a bribe, how does the author indicate that outsiders have no idea how to account for what has happened to Obi?

10. What cynical comment does the author make concerning Obi's feelings about Elsie Mark's determination to get a scholarship when Elsie Mark visits Obi?

(see the answer keys)

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