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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the narrator upset about the sister-in-laws song?
(a) Because they do not sing the complete song.
(b) Because they do not remember the narrator's name.
(c) Because they praise both wifes equally.
(d) Because they sing out of key.

2. Who is Aissatou?
(a) The narrator's sister.
(b) The narrator's sister-in-law.
(c) The narrator's best friend.
(d) The narrator's first college professor.

3. In Modou's letters to the narrator while getting his degree, for what did he say he longed?
(a) For the narrator's presence and black complexion.
(b) His family and friends.
(c) Enough money to come home and visit.
(d) A home-cooked meal.

4. What is Daouda Dieng's occupation?
(a) Herdsman.
(b) Physician.
(c) Lawyer.
(d) Professor.

5. To what does the narrator compare teachers?
(a) Evangelical ministers.
(b) Slaves from the Roman times.
(c) Socrates and Aristotole.
(d) An army of priests-in charge of people's souls.

6. How is Aunty Nabou received when she arrives at her destination?
(a) With hesitation.
(b) With cold obligatory rituals.
(c) She is asked to return home immediately.
(d) Like a princess.

7. What does the narrator wonder about those who come to acknowledge the deceased person?
(a) How much each person will donate.
(b) Whose grief is genuine.
(c) If she might find a man to marry among them.
(d) If any were an enemy of the deceased.

8. Who leads the country when the republic is born?
(a) The dominant political party.
(b) The former king, who agrees to share power.
(c) A group of 15 men.
(d) A dictator who is elected through corruption.

9. Of what is Aunty Nabou proud?
(a) Her large herd of cows.
(b) Her son's profession.
(c) Her wedgewood china.
(d) Her noble origins.

10. How many years has the narrator been married to the deceased?
(a) 55
(b) 1
(c) 30
(d) 22

11. How does the narrator feel about Modou taking a second wife?
(a) Glad to have someone to share household chores.
(b) Indifferent since she is the first and most important wife.
(c) She does not know he did so.
(d) Betrayed.

12. For whom does Modou work?
(a) Shell oil.
(b) Trade union organizations.
(c) The tribal chieftain.
(d) The president of the country.

13. What is said out loud during the mourning rituals?
(a) A poem citing the deceased warrior deeds.
(b) A prayer for the resurrection of the deceased.
(c) KORAN verses.
(d) Verses from THE PROPHET.

14. What is the name of Modou's friend who Modou introduces to the narrator and her friends?
(a) Memsab Nw
(b) Mawdo Bw
(c) Biku
(d) Fawd Was

15. Why is the narrator upset about the donations from the people?
(a) Most people decline to donate?
(b) It's too late to save others with needed medications.
(c) The people do not donate very much.
(d) The people resent donating.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the family's response to the narrator's non-traditional simple wedding ceremony?

2. Who discusses the mysteries of birth and death with the narrator?

3. Who does Aissatou marry?

4. What do the narrator and her friends do at their house parties?

5. What keeps Mawdo busy as a physician?

(see the answer keys)

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