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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. Which one of the children does NOT escape from the hut?

2. Jigana becomes so drunk on sniffing glue that he ____________________.

3. Fattening for Gabon starts with the line, "Selling your child or nephew could be more difficult than selling ________________________."

4. What has the man in #39 purchased recently?

5. Maisha snaps at Jinga for ______________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Maisha's physical appearance symbolize her stolen innocence derived from her beauty?

3. Why do Mama and Papa encourage their children to sniff glue and drink alcohol?

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

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

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

7. Why does Mama try to break into Maisha's trunk?

8. What real life issue in Africa does this story address?

9. What is the premise of "Fattening for Gabon"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of the family in Akpan's stories.. What does it mean for some of the characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How are some of the families fractured? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Who are two of Akpan's characters in this book who appeal to you the most? What is it about these characters that you like? What are their weaknesses? How about redeeming qualities? Are Akpan's characters believable in your opinion? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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