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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. Who does Sassouma consult with to help in her plot against Sogolon?

2. What animal is terrorizing the land of Do?

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

4. In Kouyaty's story, of what material does Kanty sew his clothing?

5. How long does Sundiata wander in the desert before settling in Djedeba?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sundiata go into exile?

2. How does Sundiata treat the people of Sosso when he arrives there?

3. What happens when Sundiata outwits Konkon, the king of Djedeba?

4. What changes does Sundiata make in the African nation after he is appointed emperor?

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

6. What does Dankaran do that causes Sundiata to fly into a rage?

7. Who is Manding Bory, and what role does he play in Sundiata'slife?

8. Why is Sogolon presented as a gift to the king?

9. How were Nana Triban and Sundiata reunited?

10. How does Sogolon eventually become the king's favorite wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Even though it had been his lifelong ambition to overthrow Soumaoro, Sundiata leaves the disgraced sorcerer to finish off his days hiding in a cave. Create a time line of events for the changing relationship between Sundiata and Soumaoro. Then, explain how the legacy of Sundiata is altered by his decision to have mercy on Soumaoro and let him live.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 841 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample