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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. Where does Kouyaty begin his story of Sundiata?

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

3. What physical attribute does the hunter have which prompts the king's men to think he is evil?

4. What weapon does Sundiata use to dual with Konkon?

5. What does Sundiata discover about Mansa Konkon, the king of Djedeba?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Fassyky ask for a private conference with Fran Kamara upon returning to Mali?

2. When Sundiata travels to Niani, what differences does he note in the land now that he has come to power?

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

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

5. What happens that causes the usually patient Sologon to beat Djata?

6. What happens when Sundiata visits a spiritual river and prays there?

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

8. How do the Malian merchants greet Sundiata, and what news do they bring from home?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Soumaoro and Sundiata had an almost lifelong battle with one another, culminating in two memorable battles - one when Sundiata was a boy, and one when he was man. First, explain the battle Sundiata won against Soumaoro when he was a boy, and explain what effect that battle had on Sundiata as he grew. Then, explain the battle Sundiata found himself in with Soumaoro as an adult. How did the childhood battle prepare Sundiata for the rematch in his adulthood?

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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