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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. How does the farmer's life seem to Camara?

2. Who is the douga reserved for?

3. How long is the walk from Kouroussa to Tindican normally?

4. What happens to Camara when he defies the order to not associate with Kouyate and his sister?

5. Why does Camara's father tell this story to his son?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Camara is a child, what are the sleeping arrangements for his family in Kouroussa?

2. Where are Camara's parents' huts located, and what are the consequences of living in that location?

3. Who is Sidafa, and what do you know about him?

4. What happens when Camara's friend Kouyate Karmoko says that he's had enough after a particularly cruel beating?

5. Describe the character of Camara's father.

6. What do you know about Tindican? Where is it located, and how does Camara get there? What is special about the trip?

7. When does young Camara find his friends in Tindican, and what do they do?

8. How is the special black snake involved with Camara's father's gold work?

9. Camara Laye's earliest memories revolve around his father's forge. What is the forge? What happens there? What does Camara do there?

10. What do the reapers do while they work on the fields, and how is their relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The walk to Tindikan is of importance to Camara. The author talks about two ways Camara does this walk. Compare/contrast the different implementations of this walk and relate them to their time frame. Why is this walk important to Camara? What does it bring him?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 7 Konden Diara is introduced. What or who is Konden Diara? What does he represent? Relate Konden Diara to the rite of passage. Describe his presence in detail, using supporting evidence from chapter 7. How does he influence the boys' feelings? What do they know about him? Does he show up during the ritual? How? When? What is the secret behind him?

Essay Topic 3

The rice season in Tindican is something Camara does not want to miss. The harvest starts with a tradition. Describe this tradition and discuss Camara's thoughts about the tradition. What does this tell you about the character of Camara? Compare/contrast his personality to that of his parents.

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