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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. With which member of Munira's family was Karega friendly?

2. What was particularly bad the year Wanja left?

3. What does Munira decide it is impossible to teach when the students' lives are so harsh?

4. Why does Abdulla's donkey become respected in this chapter?

5. Why can Wanja not be arrested?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the lawyer help the villagers?

2. How does Jospeh react to Abdulla's apology?

3. How did Karega go about trying to change things in Africa for workers?

4. Why did the villagers blame Abdulla's donkey for the drought?

5. Describe the second person who is arrested.

6. What lead does Munira give Godfrey in Chapter 13?

7. How does Munira react to Wanja and Karega's love affair?

8. How does the girl cheer up Karega in Chapter 14?

9. Summarize the history of Ilorog as outlined at the beginning of Chapter 4.

10. Describe the incident that happened after Munira had lost his virginity.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who are the KCO and how influential has the KCO been in Kenya? What are Thiog'o views of the KCO? How does he express his views in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Thiongo was born in the same district as the novel was written in and his family was caught up in the Mau Mau rebellion, adhering to the rule that writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Thiongo knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Thiongo does not portray a character or setting so well? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his/her goals and motives. Does he/she achieve his/her motive? Why? Does he/she share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his/her goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect his/her interactions with each other?

(see the answer keys)

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