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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. What does Waiyaki wish he could hold close to him?

2. What is the most striking thing about Waiyaki?

3. How long has Reverend Livingstone been at Siriana?

4. Who had to tell Muthoni's family of her death?

5. What is it said in Chapter Seventeen that one admired in Joshua?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were parents proud when their child came home with a tear-stained face?

2. Why does Waiyaki feel badly for Njeri?

3. What is it that people most admire in Joshua?

4. What images come to Waiyaki while he is trying to sleep?

5. Why does Waiyaki not feel warm toward Kamau?

6. How does Waiyaki wait for the "surgeon" at the beginning of Chapter Ten?

7. Why does Waiyaki become angry with the rain?

8. What is the overall reaction to Muthoni's death among the people of the ridges?

9. What arguments does Kabonyi use against Waiyaki at the meeting?

10. Before meeting him at Mukuyu, what is Nyambura's opinion of Waiyaki?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concepts of "good" and "bad" as Ngugi addresses them in "The River Between." Use at least three specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of Kibonyi in "The River Between"?

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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