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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. In "Chapter 4," why does Karanja apologize to Mwaura?

2. How does Mugo feel after General R. visits him in "Chapter 3"?

3. Who did Mugo live with after he was orphaned?

4. In "Chapter 1," how many women come to visit Mugo at his house?

5. What does the rebel Waiyaki call iron snakes?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Chapter 5," what does Mrs. Thompson remember about Van Dyke?

2. In "Chapter 7," what does the narrator say about Mumbi's feelings toward the Movement?

3. How does Mugo feel about giving speeches in "Chapter 6"?

4. What role do the Thompsons play in Kenya in "Chapter 4"?

5. In "Chapter 4," what does the narrator say about trains?

6. In "Chapter 6," what things does Gikonyo confess to Mugo?

7. In "Chapter 2," who are some of rebels that are described?

8. How does Mugo feel about the old woman in the village?

9. What leads to Kihika's death?

10. In "Chapter 2," how do Kenyans feel about women rulers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the author's use of flashback in this novel. Several characters have flashbacks to the beginning of the Emergency and of the Movement. How does this device work? Is it effective or ineffective? Why?

Essay Topic 2

What message does the author convey about martyrdom? Some of the characters, like Kihika, Mugo, and Thompson, are likened to martyrs. Why might this be?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the theme of peace in this novel.

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