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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is this test feared by Senegalese women?
(a) It reveals what others think about her.
(b) It determines who will marry her.
(c) It is very painful.
(d) It can sometimes result in death.

2. What is the family's response to the narrator's non-traditional simple wedding ceremony?
(a) Disapproval.
(b) Excited that she is using her education to change traditions.
(c) Glad that it does not cost much.
(d) They do not believe it is sufficient to be legal.

3. What is the mirasse?
(a) A family meeting required by the Koran where the deceased's secrets are exposed.
(b) A vision the widow finds on a quest in the desert.
(c) A payment of 10 dollars from the government for the widow.
(d) A pilgrimage to Mecca.

4. Of what significance is the narrator's unconventional marriage?
(a) It is the first one to have ever taken place in Senegal.
(b) It is symbolic of the New Africa.
(c) It compels new laws granting women complete freedom.
(d) It is the reason she loses her teaching job.

5. What does the narrator have to put up with regularly?
(a) Her sisters-in-law and mother-in-law's frequent intrusions.
(b) Babysitting her nieces and nephews.
(c) Her mother offering advice.
(d) Snakes in the house.

6. What does Mawdo, Aissatou's husband, admire about his father-in-law?
(a) His willingness to cry at his daughter's wedding.
(b) His dexterity and artistry.
(c) His ability to work though he is handicapped.
(d) His prize cow.

7. According to tradition, who stays with the narrator during this tragic time?
(a) The dead person's co-wife.
(b) The deceased male relatives.
(c) The shamen of the tribe.
(d) All the children from all the wives.

8. Why do others disapprove of Aissatou's marriage?
(a) Aissatou is not good enough for the man she marries.
(b) The man she marries is poor.
(c) The man she marries is Chinese.
(d) The man she marries is ugly.

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

10. 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 sing out of key.
(d) Because they praise both wifes equally.

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

12. To whom do the wives give money?
(a) Their children.
(b) Their in-laws.
(c) The government in the form of taxes.
(d) No one; they keep it all for themselves.

13. What is one secret revealed about the deceased?
(a) He loved to travel to America.
(b) He had serious financial problems.
(c) He had two other wives secretly.
(d) He never believed in the Koran.

14. Who discusses the mysteries of birth and death with the narrator?
(a) The nurse in the deceased person's room.
(b) A Catholic priest in the room.
(c) Dr. Mawdo Bw.
(d) The narrator's mother.

15. To whom is the narrator writing her diary?
(a) Her divorced husband.
(b) Her twin daughters.
(c) Her friend, Aissatou.
(d) Her younger sister.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the narrator, what did Modou do to gain her as a wife?

2. Why does Modou gain many promotions in his job?

3. For whom does Modou work?

4. What does the narrator wonder about those who come to acknowledge the deceased person?

5. What is the goal of the narrator's education?

(see the answer keys)

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