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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. How does the author prove the assertion that Obi has been homesick while studying in England when Obi is communicating with his villagers?

2. What happens when Obi goes for his job interview with the Public Services Commission?

3. Why is Obi's description of the streets and market in the Lagos slum ironic?

4. What reminds Obi of England during his reception for which hundreds turn out?

5. How is the veteran civil servant characterized when Obi first meets him and the boss comes in demanding a specific file?

Short Essay Questions

1. Before going to England, Obi spends time in Lagos with Joseph Okeke. Who is Joseph and how is he connected with Obi?

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

3. What causes Obi to storm out of the December UPU meeting in a rage?

4. What two mistakes does Obi make when Obi attends reception held in Lagos by the Umuofian Progressive Union to welcome him home?

5. Why does Obi accuse Joseph of having a colonial mentality When Obi and Joseph discuss Obi's job interview with the Public service Commission?

6. What is the meaning of Obi's full name and why did his father give him this name?

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

8. What turn does the relationship between Obi and Clara take shortly after getting his new job?

9. What views about the "bride-price" do Obi and Joseph discuss after speaking about Obi's job interview?

10. What internal conflict does Obi experience while he is on his first visit with his father at home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the major techniques used by Achebe to create an authentic Nigerian setting for the novel?

Essay Topic 2

"Obi's downfall is the result of a series of incidents in which Obi's pride and impatience cause him to make imprudent decisions." Discuss the validity of this statement.

Essay Topic 3

Giving specific examples, discuss the author's use of literary, biblical and historical allusions in the novel.

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This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample