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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 livestock are the boys in charge of?

2. What kind of tree grows near the edge of the sacred hill?

3. Where does the relative Muthoni thinks will help her live?

4. To whom are sacrifices made before the initiation season?

5. What reaction did Waiyaki have that was unusual?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the festivities of initiation eve.

2. How does Waiyaki feel about the initiation celebrations?

3. What is Joshua's first response when he discovers Muthoni is missing?

4. How does Joshua feel about the rite of circumcision?

5. Why is Nyambura so upset by Muthoni's confession by the river?

6. How does Waiyaki feel on the morning of his second birth ceremony?

7. Describe the village where Joshua's family lives.

8. How does Nyambura feel about the river?

9. Why are the two boys fighting in Chapter Two?

10. What is Muthoni's argument to Nyambura about her desire to be circumcised?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Nyambura is one that grows and changes over the course of the novel. Discuss the development of her character and the importance it has on the story.

Essay Topic 2

How does Muthoni's death set the tone for the rest of the story? How does it affect the other characters and the decisions they make?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role that Honia river plays in Ngugi's novel. How is it described, in what scenes does it appear?

(see the answer keys)

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