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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. Who was the great witch whose magic won him great fame?

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

3. What does Joshua call himself after converting to Christianity?

4. What kind of tree grows near the edge of the sacred hill?

5. Who does Nyambura quote as saying circumcision is sinful?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Waiyaki feel about the initiation celebrations?

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

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

6. What is the significance of Kerinyaga?

7. What are Sundays typically like for Joshua?

8. Describe the festivities of initiation eve.

9. What shocking information does Chege tell Waiyaki?

10. How does Nyambura feel about the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes in "The River Between" is unity. Discuss how Ngugi develops this theme throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

How is the concept of family, and its importance, portrayed in "The River between"? Please be specific.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 765 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample