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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. What does Camara notice each time he returns home for vacation?

2. Who is Mamadou?

3. Why do the boys stay in a special hut after their circumcision?

4. What does Camara's father's second wife hold up as a symbol for Camara during the circumcision ceremony?

5. How does Camara feel about the transition from childhood to manhood?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Camara returns to Conakry in October, what does he find out about the Technical College, the school he attended the year before?

2. What happens in the special hut where the young men are gathered before the actual circumcision takes place?

3. Describe the character of Mamadou.

4. Following their encounter with Konden Diara, the young boys face the real test of circumcision. How does the ceremony in Kouroussa proceed?

5. Who or what is Konden Diara? What does Camara's father tell him to do?

6. What happens at the airport and on the plane to France?

7. Describe the character of Marie.

8. At the end of Camara's third year of school, he takes his proficiency examinations. Describe what happens.

9. What does the director of the Technical College ask Camara before he leaves Conakry upon successfully completing his exams, and what is Camara's reaction?

10. What happens during the first year Camara is supposed to attend school in Conakry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 9, Camara leaves home for Conakry. This is an important change in his life in relation to his environment, lifestyle and companions. Compare/contrast all these changes to his life before he turned fifteen.

Essay Topic 2

The character of the praise-singer is mentioned in a few chapters of the "The Dark Child." What is a praise-singer? What is his role towards the community? When is he important? Explore his presence throughout the book; describe his tasks, influence and attitude. Compare/contrast his appearances in the different chapters.

Essay Topic 3

The meals in Camara's household follow a certain, strict tradition. Describe the procedures of a meal and the performance of all the characters involved. Compare/contrast Camara's rules and routines to those of his siblings, the apprentices and his parents. What does this scene teach you about Camara's culture? How does this differ/relate to your dining culture and etiquette?

(see the answer keys)

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