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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. In the old saying quoted near the end of Chapter One, what is not for strangers?

2. What is a "kihii"?

3. At the end of Chapter Two, what event does Chege remind Waiyaki will take place the following day?

4. What does Waiyaki call Muthoni?

5. To whom are sacrifices made before the initiation season?

Short Essay Questions

1. What rumors about the white people are circulating?

2. Describe the sacred place.

3. Why are the two boys fighting in Chapter Two?

4. What does Chege tell Waiyaki he will have to do?

5. Why is Nyambura so upset by Muthoni's confession by the river?

6. How are the two ridges, Kameno and Makuyu, described?

7. Why does Nyambura leave the village at the end of Chapter Eight?

8. What is Muthoni's argument to Nyambura about her desire to be circumcised?

9. What stops the boys' fight in Chapter Two?

10. What is the source of antagonism between the people of the two ridges?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Muthoni's death set the tone for the rest of the story? How does it affect the other characters and the decisions they make?

Essay Topic 2

Choose at least two characters and discuss the ways in which parental expectations play a role in developing that character; these can be positive or negative expectations and can have positive or negative ramifications.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the ways in which courage is defined and portrayed throughout the novel. Use at least three specific examples.

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