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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Soumaoro's army surprised by Sundiata's army?

2. After Sundiata abandons Soumaoro, who does he seek out to destroy?

3. Who is Nana Triban?

4. What animal does Sundiata sacrifice in memory of the old buffalo woman?

5. Which of the following adjectives best describes Sogolon's physical condition when her children are full-grown?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Buffalo woman plays a large role in bringing together Sundiata's parents. Explain what the Buffalo Woman symbolized in Do, and how her destructive actions eventually led to the unification of Maghan and Sogolon.

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 instances throughout the text when the king is advised not to judge a person by their appearance. First, explain what the relationship between King Maghan and his advisers was, and give three examples of people the king first judged for being weak. If the king had not changed his opinion of these "weak" people, how would the storyline of the book be different?

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This section contains 273 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample