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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. Before Camara gets on the train, he thinks about a certain person. Who does he think about?

2. What does the director in Conakry give Camara before he leaves the country?

3. What has happened to Camara's school when he returns to it?

4. What does Camara find on the honor roll at his school every term?

5. What type of emotion is outwardly manifested during the circumcision ceremony?

Short Essay Questions

1. Following their encounter with Konden Diara, the young boys face the real test of circumcision. How does the ceremony in Kouroussa proceed?

2. What happens at the airport and on the plane to France?

3. Camara does not like one of the behaviors his mother exhibits when he gets back home for vacation? Which behavior?

4. What happens in the special hut where the young men are gathered before the actual circumcision takes place?

5. Describe the character of Mamadou.

6. What do the guests of the circumcision ceremony do to the teenage boys and how is this manifested to Camara? What is his reaction?

7. Describe the character of Camara's mother.

8. Who or what is Konden Diara? What does Camara's father tell him to do?

9. What happens during the first year Camara is supposed to attend school in Conakry?

10. At the end of Camara's third year of school, he takes his proficiency examinations. Describe what happens.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tom-tom weaves all the rituals together throughout the book. When does the tom-tom sound? How do the villagers react to it? Explore the importance of the tom-tom throughout "The Dark Child", using supporting evidence from the different chapters and scenes.

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 character of the praise-singer is mentioned in a few chapters of the "The Dark Child." What is a praise-singer? What is his role towards the community? When is he important? Explore his presence throughout the book; describe his tasks, influence and attitude. Compare/contrast his appearances in the different chapters.

(see the answer keys)

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