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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. Mama thanks Maisha for _________________.

2. Where does Fofo Kpee keep the motorcycle?

3. How old is Maisha?

4. How old is Yewa?

5. What does Fofo tell Kotchikpa about Mama and Papa?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the importance of "the bad night" when Fofo masturbates in front of the children?

2. Why is Maisha a prostitute at the age of twelve?

3. What treats does Fofo Kpee give to the children and what do they think is the occasion for the goodies?

4. How does Fofo Kpee explain the delivery of the new motorcycle to the children?

5. Who are Kotchikpa and Yewa?

6. What role does Maisha play in the family and why do her parents resent her?

7. How do Jigana and his siblings get money from people on the streets?

8. Why does Jigana get special treatment in the family?

9. What does the motorcycle symbolize in the story?

10. Why does Mama give her children glue to sniff on Christmas morning?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select an instance of symbolism from one of the stories and explain its significance.

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

What is the overall setting for the stories in the book? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Akpan choose to use these places in the stories?

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