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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 Okonkwo bring with him to share with the wealthy Nwakibie and his family before asking for yam seeds and share cropping privileges?

2. Who appears in front of Ekwefi as she waits tearfully outside Agbala's cave?

3. Why is the big, ancient silk-cotton tree in the playground considered sacred?

4. How does Unoka react when Okoye asks him to repay the two hundred cowries owed to him?

5. Why do the people of Umuofia observe the Week of Peace?

Short Essay Questions

1. Evaluate Okonkwo's frame of mind after the destruction of the yam crop.

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

3. Do you think Okonkwo is justified in being ashamed of his father? Explain why.

4. Describe how Okonkwo goes against his nature when he goes to find Ikwefi at the sacred cave.

5. 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".

6. Explain why sharecropping is a very difficult way to get ahead for Okonkwo, and how it impacts his parents and sisters.

7. 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.

8. Explain how Ekwefi defies the traditions of the clan when Chielo takes Ezinma to Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves.

9. Describe why Okonkwo is considered a wealthy man by Umuofia's standards.

10. Explain how Ikemefuna is a good friend to Obiageli on the day of the New Yam Festival.

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

1) Give three examples from the novel when Okonkwo uses poor impulse control.

2) Summarize the clan's reaction to the events.

3) Analyze the consequences of Okonkwo's actions.

Essay Topic 3

Write three paragraphs relating the events that led up to Okonkwo's demise for the District Commissioner's book: The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.

(see the answer keys)

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