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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. After speaking with the elders of nine villages, what does Okonkwo tell Ikemefuna about what is going to happen to him?

2. When is the only time that Unkona is not haggard and mournful?

3. How long is Ikemenfuna in Okonkwo's care?

4. One night, the storytelling of Okonkwo 's wives and children stops because the priestess, Chielo is shouting in a high-pitched voice. What does she tell Okonkwo?

5. Why do men and women look forward to the Feast of the New Yam?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Week of Peace celebrated in Umuofia . How does Okonkwo violate this sacred peace and what are the consequences?

2. Is it evident that the tribal rituals of marriage are important for not only the wedding couple, but the entire village?

3. Do you agree with the old man who said that Okonkwo's palm-kernels had been cracked for him by a benevolent spirit? Justify your answer.

4. Relate how Okonkwo is able to plant his first yam-seeds when his father gives him nothing.

5. Determine the point of view of Mbaino with regard to settling the dispute with Umuofia over the murder of Ezeugo.

6. Analyze Okonkwo's feelings for Enzinma and Ekwefi, and how they relate to his fear of weakness.

7. Predict what might happen later in the book from the conversation of Obierika, Machi, and Okonkwo when they talk about "what is good in one place is bad in another . . ." and that the polite name for leprosy is "white skin".

8. How would you justify Okonkwo's harsh treatment of his family and his uncontrollable temper?

9. Okonkwo's father dies in debt, with no titles to his name. Relate why Okonkwo does not have to worry that his father's reputation will be held against him.

10. Evaluate Okonkwo's reputation in the nine villages of Umuofia.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail the three rituals of a wedding engagement for the Ibo people: the bride price, the delivery of the palm-wine, and the confession. Give a detailed summary of each ceremony.

Essay Topic 2

Evaluate the evidence presented to the egwugwu in the case of Mgbafo and Uzowlulu. Do you think the testimony given by each side is convincing? Defend or criticize the verdict of the egwugwu.

Essay Topic 3

1) Throughout the novel, Okonkwo is afraid of being like his father. Describe the accomplishments Okonkwo achieves in his lifetime that makes him different from his father.

2) Explain why Okonkwo's final act turns his reputation into everything he feared in life.

(see the answer keys)

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