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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 Uchendu tell Okonkw his duty was?

2. Why do the people say "Mother is Supreme" when the man is the head of the family and his wives and children are obedient to him?

3. Why do the men of Umuofia meet in the marketplace after the village crier beats the message on the ogene?

4. How many cowries do the court messengers ask the people for as payment to release their leaders?

5. What is the name of the god that the people of Umuofia believe is the creator of the all the world and the other gods?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Okonkwo's point of view with regard to the clan when he returns home?

2. Describe how Obierika proves to be a true friend to Okonkwo, even after Okonkwo is exiled.

3. Do you agree that Mr. Kiaga's choice of allowing the outcasts, osu, to join the other converts in the church is in the best interest of his congregation? Explain.

4. After one of the converts kills the royal python, why does Okonkwo think it is a womanly decision to ostracize the converts from the daily rituals and privileges of members of the clan?

5. What are some of the positive things the white man brings to Umuofia?

6. Do you think Okonkwo is correct in his reaction to his son, Nwoye joining the Christians? Why?

7. The District Commissioner outsmarts the six leaders of Umuofia, including Okonkwo and arrests them, abuses them, and humiliates them. What affect does his have on the spirit of the clan?

8. When the missionaries come to Umuofia, they tell the people that their gods are not alive and have no effect on their lives. Do you think this is a good approach for the missionaries to take? Explain why.

9. Compare the personalities of Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith. Which man do you think was better for the people of Umuofia?

10. What is Okonkwo's final act as a warrior for his village of Umuofia? Did it reverse the falling apart of his village in any way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Enoch, the court messenger, is the cause of one of the biggest conflicts between the white man and the clan members. Describe the consequences of his offense and how it leads to further tragedy in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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