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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does the narrator think of Aissatou's in-laws?
(a) That they are wonderfully warm people.
(b) That they take advantage of Aissatou.
(c) That they should not have moved to the United States.
(d) That they do not respect Aissatou.

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

4. What had the deceased bought to please his second wife?
(a) A diamond necklace.
(b) A nice villa.
(c) A new mercedes benz.
(d) Two thoroughbred horses for racing.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Modou support politically?

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

3. What is said out loud during the mourning rituals?

4. Who is Aissatou?

5. According to tradition, who stays with the narrator during this tragic time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What tradition surrounding her husband's death does the narrator dislike and why?

2. How do the narrator and her friends make their lives better?

3. Why does the narrator rush to the hospital and what does she find?

4. How does the narrator feel about the problems with Aissatou?

5. How would you describe Ramatoulaye's attitudes about men and women? Could she be considered a feminist?

6. What happens to the relationship between Modou and his first wife, the narrator? Do you think it is Binetou's fault for how Modou handles his two marriages?

7. What is Mawdo Bw's attitude towards his marriage and father-in-law?

8. Compare and contrast the second marriages of Mawdo and Modou.

9. What did Lady Mother-in-Law bring up at the mirasse and with what result?

10. What does the widow have to do after the funeral of her husband? How does she feel about this?

(see the answer keys)

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