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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. Which of the following types of poems is the genre which "Sundiata" belongs to?

2. Where does Kouyaty begin his story of Sundiata?

3. What appears in the sky at the moment that Sagolon's baby is born?

4. Who do the Malian people believe can become king one day?

5. Who is named heir to the throne once the king dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a griot?

2. Why did ancient kings initially want griots?

3. Why do Sundiata and Soumaoro continue to battle with each other even after the initial fight that wiped out Soumaoro's men?

4. Why are the griots considered "vessels of the past?"

5. How does Sassouma treat Sologon once Dankaran rises to power?

6. How does Sundiata collect the army that fights with him in Tabon?

7. Why does Sassouma meet with the sorcerers in the village after Sogolon's arrival?

8. Why does Sundiata go into exile?

9. What happens when the leaders of the twelve nations meet with Sundiata in Ka-ba?

10. What causes Fakoli to turn against his uncle, Kanty?

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

When the story opens, Djeli Mamoudou Koutate is introduced to the readers as a local griot. Briefly describe the role griots play in African culture and then compare / contrast the role griots played during Sundiata's time with their role in the culture today. How does the use of a griot in Sundiata's tale affect the way it is expressed to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

There are many men who pass through power in Mali. Create a list of kings that took power on the pages of Sundiata, and briefly explain how each of these kings affected the relationship Malian people had with their government.

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