5. While Obi tries to concentrate on work despite bad news from home, what comment about a Nigerian student does Mr. Green make while dictating a letter to Marie Tomlinson?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After Obi visits Clara in hospital and she turns her face to the wall, how do events escalate development towards Obi's downfall?

3. Why is Obi distressed by the reaction of his mother when they discuss Obi's plan to marry Clara?

4. After Clara and Obi quarrel about his failure to ask her for money to help his situation, how does Obi demonstrate his reliance on reading to find solace?

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

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

7. What happens When Obi and Clara visit the first doctor about her pregnancy?

8. When Obi reveals his suspicion that Clara is pregnant, how does Christopher react?

9. What are the examples evident of the author's use of humor When Christopher and Obi take Clara and Bisi dancing at the Imperial?

10. When Obi visits home, how does the issue of Clara being osu affect Obi's discussions with his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An important aspect of the novel's impact lies in the ability of the author to portray character effectively. Justifying your answer with reference to specific examples, discuss the methods used by the author to portray two major and two minor characters in the story.