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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 Sassouma plot to do to Sogolon?

2. From whom do Sundiata's ancestors seek advise at the opening of the story?

3. What gift did ancient African kings believe griots could give them?

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

5. Which of the following adjectives best describes Sogolon?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Who were the early kings of Mali?

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

7. How does Sundiata react to the reunification with Nana Triban, and what steps does he take to bring the land of Mali back together?

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

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

10. How are the Malian merchants discovered in Mema, and what is the reaction to their arrival?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sundiata's parents, Sogolon and King Maghan Fatta, had an unusual courtship and relationship. Explain how Sundiata's parents came to be married. Then, create a time line of events that both drew the couple together and tore them apart. Finally, explain how King Maghan Fatta felt about his second wife at the time of his death, and why.

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

Sundiata had two main women in his life to act as mothers to him - Sogolon and Sassouma. Briefly describe each of these women, and then compare / contrast their mothering techniques with young Sundiata. Then, explain what effect each of these women had on Sundiata as he matured into adulthood.

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