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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 the Umuofia Progressive Union meet again to discuss Obi's case on the morning of the trial?

2. What is Obi told about the many dead dogs in the street when he visits the slum in Lagos?

3. What happens to Obi when he meets Clara for the first time?

4. With whom does Obi have breakfast on the first morning on the boat?

5. How is the veteran civil servant characterized when Obi first meets him and the boss comes in demanding a specific file?

Short Essay Questions

1. After arguing with Joseph, how does Obi first demonstrate the seriousness of his intentions to marry Clara?

2. How does the incident with the police and the lorry driver on the way to Umuofia affect Obi's views about getting rid of bribery?

3. What references to bribery show that the members are very familiar with corruption in Nigeria At the reception held to welcome Obi home?

4. What turn does the relationship between Obi and Clara take shortly after getting his new job?

5. What two mistakes does Obi make when Obi attends reception held in Lagos by the Umuofian Progressive Union to welcome him home?

6. What spoils his homecoming when Obi arrives home in Umuofia?

7. What complaints does Obi make about an encounter with the police after buying the ring and returning home to Joseph?

8. How is Joseph proven wrong about his assumption that the owner of the Palm Grove is a Syrian?

9. What comments does Mr. Green make to suggest that he expected no better from Obi at the tennis club on the morning of the verdict?

10. What mixed feelings do members of the Umuofian Progressive Union have about Obi's situation at the beginning of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

To what extent does Obi's "coming of age" experience reflect the dilemma of the young generation trapped between traditional and modern cultures?

Essay Topic 2

What are the major techniques used by Achebe to create an authentic Nigerian setting for the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Using specific examples, describe how the author introduces and develops family relationships as a major theme in the novel.

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This section contains 973 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample