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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. How does the room respond when Fassyky plays Kanty's magical musical instrument?

2. Which of the following characters is the griot of Sundiata's story?

3. Which of the following is the most important task for a griot to accomplish?

4. What physical deformity does the hunter tell the king his future wife should have?

5. How old does Sassouma claim Dankaran was when he first began to collect baobob?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sundiata threaten the king of Mema, Tounkara?

2. How does Sundiata honor his memory of the old buffalo woman?

3. When the hunter gives the king his fortune, what does he say?

4. How did Sundiata come to inherit the land of Mema?

5. What happens during Sundiata's first battle against Soumaoro?

6. What one complaint does the griot have at the close of the book about modern day audiences in response to Sundiata's story?

7. What confession does Nana Triban make to Sundiata when they are reunited?

8. What happens when the king loses hope that Djata will grow to be a great king?

9. How does Kanty react when he finds that Fassyky has broken in to his chambers?

10. What is the reaction when Sogolon goes into labor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of fate plays a large part in Sundiata's rise to power. Explain why the people believed it was Sundiata's fate to rule Mali, and briefly explain three obstacles that stood in the way of Sundiata reaching the fate that had been laid out for him.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the text, sorcery plays a large role in belief system of the Malian people. Give examples of two characters who believed in the power of sorcery, and explain how they exhibited their beliefs. Then, explain how sorcery affected the battles for Mali in either a positive or negative manor.

Essay Topic 3

When Sundiata's father was young, he had his fortune read by a passing hunter. Explain what the fortune read, and why the king's men did not want to believe it. Finally, explain how the fortune teller irrevocably altered the path King Maghan's life was taking.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 838 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample