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

2. Which of Aissatou's brothers follow in their father's footsteps?

3. What does Daba produce when Lady Mother-in-Law wants the monthly salary continued?

4. How do many of the young people consider traditional crafts?

5. What is Daouda Dieng's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the response to the taking down of the hair by each wife?

3. What does Ramatoulaye tease her friend, Aissatou, about, but what evidence is there that she accepts her friend?

4. 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?

5. What is Mawdo's response to Aissatou?

6. What is happening politically in these three chapters?

7. What is the first of Modou's secrets that is revealed?

8. How does the narrator react to the news and what does she think?

9. What contributed to Modou's success in his work environment?

10. What are some things Daouda does when he visits the narrator that implies his future offer of marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marriage has changed dramatically in the United States even in the last fifty years. Research as to how marriage has changed in the United States. Do you think marriage will eventually be a thing of the past? Is marriage important for the stability of a culture? How would the culture of the United States change if there was no such thing as legal marriage? How would this impact the well being of children? Are there advantages to not having the institution of marriage?

Essay Topic 2

How would Ramatoulaye's life have been different if her husband had not married a second wife and how would it be different if he had divided his time and resources equally between the two women as is dictated in the Koran?

If polygamy were legal in your country for either men or woman, would you consider more than one husband or wife? Explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Racism. Many countries have been greatly impacted by bigotry or racism. Some racism exists even among a single race--for example, lighter-skinned blacks feeling racist towards darker-skinned blacks. Research the psychological reasons that motivate racism. Are these the only reasons for racism? Do economics or class play a part in racism? Do you envision a day when racism truly no longer exists? Why or why not? Is enough being done in the United States towards eradicating racism? Why or

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This section contains 1,120 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample