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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. How is Beere received when she returns from England?

2. As expressed in Chapter 15, what school rule does Daodu believe is racist?

3. What are Wole's future plans for Mrs. Odufuwa?

4. What does Wole think about the Westernizing of his culture?

5. What form does the protest at the Alake compound eventually take?

Short Essay Questions

1. What words of caution does Father have for Wole in Chapter 9, in regards to secondary education?

2. What sage advice does Broda Pupa give Wole in Chapter 9? How is Wole later able to use that advice to his advantage?

3. Generally speaking, how is the philosophy in Wole's community about punishing children?

4. How does the Alake respond to the women's march?

5. Describe the "rite of manhood" Wole endures at the end of Chapter 9.

6. Overall, what is Wole's view about getting an education?

7. How does Wole deal with the prospect of Essay dying in Chapter 11? How does Essay himself deal with the prospect?

8. What opinion does Wole express in Chapter 10 about Western influences and modern living?

9. Per Chapter 10, describe what Wole and Edun would do every Sunday morning prior to choir practice.

10. Describe the tax controversy that arises in Chapter 13, and how the women's group addresses it.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Wole's view on education? What can be learned in school that cannot be learned in everyday life, and vice versa? What or who influences Wole's views on education?

Essay Topic 2

Particular attention is paid to certain "coming of age" moments, such as when Wole's Jonah rock loses its power, or when his baby sister dies. Reflect on those two events. What is learned by Wole? What is lost to him after these moments? What has he gained?

Essay Topic 3

Racism is a somewhat common theme in the text, especially the friction between white colonialists and the native Africans. How much of the racist sentiments and beliefs expressed in the text are justified, and how much are characterized as excessive or ridiculous? What might Wole himself say about the presence of racism, and its effect on his life?

(see the answer keys)

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