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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 1", how do the train workers decide to strike?

2. Why does Dejean want to start a rival union?

3. How many deputies visit with Dejean in "Chapter 3"?

4. In "Chapter 6", where is Beaugosse when he argues about the strike?

5. In "Chapter 9", why does the Imam negotiate with the police?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Ramatoulaye turn herself into the police?

2. What happens at the strike meeting in "Chapter 1"?

3. What makes Maimouna stand out in the marketplace?

4. Why does Niakoro want to test Ad'jibid'ji's mind?

5. What happens when the women are sprayed with a fire hose in "Chapter 9"?

6. What makes N'Deye Touti feel like an outcast?

7. How do the workers feel the morning of the strike in "Chapter 2"?

8. Why is Doudou offered a promotion in "Chapter 12"?

9. In "Chapter 9", how does Mame Sofi feel about the confrontations with police?

10. Why is Ramatoulaye frustrated in "Chapter 4"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the impact of colonization in this novel. What is the author's message about colonization?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the use of many characters with many different plot lines and conflicts. Is this effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What role do speeches play in the novel? Consider the languages that are used, the audiences present and the actual outcomes.

(see the answer keys)

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