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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 hopes does Okonkwo have for his son, Nwoye's , future?

2. What ultimatum is dispatched to Mbaino as a consequence of the murder of the woman from Umuofia?

3. Okonkwo does not fear war. In the last war he fought, he brought home a souvenir which he drank palm-wine out of. What is this souvenir?

4. Why does Okonkwo worry about his son, Nwoye?

5. The Ibo people consider conversation to be very important. What form of conversation do they regard the most highly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Okoye, Unoka's friend, is considered a successful man.

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

3. Explain how Okonkwo's stern attitude changes when he is awakened in the night because Ezinma is sick.

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

5. 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.

6. Explain what role the egwuwu, the ancestral spirits of the clan, has in the public trials of the nine villages of the clan.

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

8. Do you agree with Okonkwo when he gives the fatal blow to Ikemefuna with his machete?

9. In your opinion, what is the biggest factor that makes Ikemefuna accept the fact that he is not returning to his homeland?

10. 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".

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

While waiting for Ezinma to be released from the cave of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, she has a flashback.

1) What does this flashback reveal about her relationship with Okonkwo?

2) How does it compare with their present relationship?

Essay Topic 3

In the Igbo culture, there are feminine and masculine crimes.

1) Describe the difference between feminine and masculine crimes.

2) Which is considered more severe by the people and why?

3) Which of the two crimes did Okonkwo commit and what was his punishment?

(see the answer keys)

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