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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. Why does Obierika go to visit Okonkwo a second time, two years after the first?

2. What does the Abame clan do to the first white man that comes to their village?

3. What do the people of Mbanta expect to happen to the missionaries when they start building their church?

4. What does Okonkwo hope his sons will be initiated into when his family returns from exile?

5. How does Mr. Brown encourage the people to attend school?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Describe the plan the leaders of Mbanta make when the missionary comes to them asking for a plot of land to build a church.

3. Okonkwo's friend, Obierika pays a visit to Okonkwo after two years of exile. He brings new of the annihilation of the Abame clan. Do you believe the white man is justified in their attack of the Abame clan? Explain.

4. What impact does the burning of the church have on Okonkwo's frame of mind?

5. What is the importance of the ekwe to the people of Umuofia?

6. What is Okonkwo's attitude after he is released from prison?

7. 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?

8. How do the words of the missionaries impact Okonkwo's son, Nwoye?

9. Okonkwo believes a man cannot rise above his chi, or destiny. Explain why you agree or disagree with Okonkwo's belief.

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze Okonkwo's suicide at the end of the novel.

2) Did he have any other alternatives?

3) Do you think this act made him more or less of a hero to his people? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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