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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. Whom is Waiyaki shocked to see at the initiation preparations?

2. What is the name of the river between the ridges?

3. From where did the ancient seer whisper to his son that salvation would come?

4. What does Nyambura see as a bad omen?

5. What is rumored to be coming to Makuyu?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Waiyaki and his father talk about on their walk to the sacred grove?

2. How does Joshua feel about the rite of circumcision?

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

4. What rumors about the white people are circulating?

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

6. What are Sundays typically like for Joshua?

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

8. How does Nyambura feel about the river?

9. How does Waiyaki feel toward Muthoni?

10. Describe the village where Joshua's family lives.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the idea that knowledge is power and how Ngugi addresses it in his novel.

Essay Topic 2

The character of Nyambura is one that grows and changes over the course of the novel. Discuss the development of her character and the importance it has on the story.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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