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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 Sundiata discover about Mansa Konkon, the king of Djedeba?

2. In which African country does this story take place?

3. From which direction does the hunter promise a "great light" will come from?

4. What are Sundiata's ancestors known for being able to extract from plants and herbs that others cannot?

5. Which of the following actions is Djata most often seen doing by the villagers?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Fassyky find in Kanty's sorcery chambers?

3. How have Sundiata's friends been living since the fall of Mali?

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

5. How does the king respond to the hunter who makes him an offering?

6. Why did ancient kings initially want griots?

7. How does Sassouma try to convince the nine witches to kill Sundiata?

8. How have Sundiata's childhood friends sought to help him in his return to Mali?

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

10. How are Sundiata's troops entertained on the evening before the battle of Krishna?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Sundiata" is expressed to the reader through the use of oral history and translation. Briefly explain why each of these methods--oral history and translation--was necessarily in the completion of this tale. Then, explain what facts were most important in the oral histories of the time, and how you saw those themes expressed in "Sundiata."

Essay Topic 2

When Sundiata finally rises to power in Mali, he makes many changes on the land. Describe what the African nation was like for its inhabitants during Soumaoro's rule, and what changes Sundiata made to the nation as soon as he rose to power. Then, explain how the effects of Sundiata's rule can still be seen in present day Mali.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample