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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The bush around what kind of trees is said to be a holy place in Chapter 2?
(a) Fig trees.
(b) Sycamore trees.
(c) Oak trees.
(d) Banana trees.

2. Who is the male teacher that Njoroge recalls teaching his first lesson in school?
(a) Isaka.
(b) Nganga.
(c) Michael.
(d) Boro.

3. What does Nyokabi tell Njoroge she will buy him when his father gets paid in the beginning of Chapter 1?
(a) A shirt and a pair of shorts.
(b) A calico.
(c) A pair of pants and a suit jacket.
(d) A pair of pants and a sweater.

4. Who is the village carpenter?
(a) Ngotho.
(b) Mr. Howlands.
(c) Boro.
(d) Nganga.

5. Who is Ngotho's first wife?
(a) Lucia.
(b) Njeri.
(c) Nyokabi.
(d) Juliana.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Ngotho's second wife?

2. What word from the novel refers to a woman's abode?

3. What is the area in central Kenya called where Njoroge lives in Chapter 1?

4. How far from home is Njoroge's new school in Chapter 8?

5. Who is said to have been arrested in the "Interlude"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Karanja describe Mau Mau in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 9?

2. What is the twist ending of Karanja's story about Dedan Kimathi in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 8?

3. What is the political atmosphere of Njoroge's homeland in the opening of the novel?

4. How does the narrator describe Ngotho's change in demeanor in the conclusion of Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 8?

5. What do the blacks of Kenya expect to be the outcome of Jomo's trial in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 9?

6. Where does Njoroge's family move in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 7? Why?

7. What is Njoroge's religious faith? How is this demonstrated in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 5?

8. How is the home of Njoroge described? How many huts are there?

9. What are Njoroge's reasons for avoiding Mwihaki in the beginning of Part 1: "The Waning Light"?

10. How does Njoroge feel about attending school? How does he discover he will attend in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 1?

(see the answer keys)

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