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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 is the big, ancient silk-cotton tree in the playground considered sacred?

2. Nine out of ten of Ekwefi's children die in infancy. After the second death, Okonkwo goes to the medicine man to find out why this is happening. What explanation does the diviner give?

3. During the rainy season, how do the people of the village pass the time?

4. What ultimatum is dispatched to Mbaino as a consequence of the murder of the woman from Umuofia?

5. What is a man who holds the ozo title forbidden to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare the differences in the attitudes of the people of Umuofia with regard to a dark night and a moonlit night.

2. How do the people of Umuofia justify mutilating the bodies of children who die in infancy or early childhood, refusing to bury them but leaving them in the forest?

3. Explain why Okoye, Unoka's friend, is considered a successful man.

4. Describe the weather patterns the year Okonkwo promises to farm the eight hundred yam seeds from Nwakibie, and how they affect the yams.

5. Summarize the role of the women during the New Yam Festival.

6. Who do you think benefits from the judgment of the egwuwu in the trial of Uzowulu and his wife and family and why?

7. Explain how Ekwefi defies the traditions of the clan when Chielo takes Ezinma to Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves.

8. In your opinion, what is the biggest factor that makes Ikemefuna accept the fact that he is not returning to his homeland?

9. Evaluate Okonkwo's frame of mind after the destruction of the yam crop.

10. Relate how Okonkwo is able to plant his first yam-seeds when his father gives him nothing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Explain Okonkwo's role in the clan when he returns to Umuofia after his seven year exile.

2) Describe his plan for himself and his sons upon his return and if it worked out.

Essay Topic 2

In the Igbo culture, there are feminine and masculine crimes.

1) Describe the difference between feminine and masculine crimes.

2) Which is considered more severe by the people and why?

3) Which of the two crimes did Okonkwo commit and what was his punishment?

Essay Topic 3

1) Compare and contrast two characters from the novel.

2) What are their physical descriptions, their personalities, feelings, and speech and behavior?

3) Are they believable characters, and how do other characters feel about them?

4) How do they relate to one another?

(see the answer keys)

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