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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 is Okonkwo's punishment for committing a "nso-ani" during the Week of Peace?

2. How many pots of wine do Obierika's in-laws brink to his home for the uri?

3. Why do all the women abandon preparing the food for the uri and rush off to the Obierika's crop field?

4. What happens to twins born in Umuofia?

5. Obierika's daughter, Akueke, is sixteen, just the right age for marrying. How does her suitor and his relatives determine if she is ripe for marriage?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Do you think Okonkwo is justified in reaction when he thinks his second wife, Ekwefi, killed a banana tree during the New Yam Festival? Explain.

3. Compare the differences in the attitudes of the people of Umuofia with regard to a dark night and a moonlit night.

4. Who do you think benefits from the judgment of the egwuwu in the trial of Uzowulu and his wife and family and why?

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

6. What is the tradition the in-laws must do for the uri?

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

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

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the role of women in the novel with the role of women in today's American society. Cite specific examples from the novel, detailing women's jobs and responsibilities.

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze Nwoye's struggles with coming of age.

2) Would you say that his fears and emotions were a blessing or a curse?

3) Do you defend or criticize his conversion to the white man's religion? Why do you feel this way?

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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