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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. Who is Njoroge's brother who died in the war?

2. What word from the "Interlude" means freedom?

3. Who is said to have been arrested in the "Interlude"?

4. How is Ngotho injured at the strike meeting in Chapter 7?

5. What term from the novel refers to a man's habitation, such as the one belonging to Njoroge's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Njoroge's reasons for avoiding Mwihaki in the beginning of Part 1: "The Waning Light"?

2. What is Njoroge's religious faith? How is this demonstrated in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 5?

3. Why does Lucia become upset when the white woman visits her classroom in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 5?

4. Where is the setting established in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 1? During what time period is the story set?

5. Where does Njoroge's family move in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 7? Why?

6. What does Boro say about union and division in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 9?

7. Who is Isaka and how is he described in Part 1: "The Waning Light," Chapter 4?

8. How does the narrator describe Ngotho's change in demeanor in the conclusion of Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 8?

9. What is the twist ending of Karanja's story about Dedan Kimathi in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 8?

10. What do the blacks of Kenya expect to be the outcome of Jomo's trial in Part 2: "Darkness Falls," Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of oppression, race, and colonial expansion in Weep Not, Child. When did the British colonize Kenya? For how long was it colonized? How were the native Kenyan people affected by British colonization? How does the author explore this topic in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Boro in Weep Not, Child. How did Boro's experiences in World War II affect him? How is Boro affected by the growing independence movement? What actions does Boro take that impact the plot of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of language and dialogue in Weep Not, Child. What are some examples of the words from the narrative that are centered around its setting? How does the author use dialogue to develop characters and to further illustrate Kenyan culture? Do the characters in this novel communicate in the same ways that we do in our contemporary culture?

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