Short Story: "Marriage Is A Private Affair" By Chinua Achebe

Which kind of dilemma is illustrated by the statement, "[N]ever in the history of his people had a man married a woman who spoke a different tongue"? A. moral B. generational C. cultural D. technical

Which excerpt from the story "Marriage Is a Private Affair" reveals cultural differences that contribute to the dilemma? A. "[Nene] kept her home much better than most of them [the Ibo women]." B. "Okeke was trying hard not to think of his two grandsons." C. "The boy's mind is diseased, and only a good herbalist can bring him back . . . ." D. "Nnaemeka sat with his father under a cassia tree."

Which excerpt from the story "Marriage Is a Private Affair" illustrates the tension between the characters best? A. "That night he hardly slept, from . . . fear he might die . . . ." B. "[I]t is impossible for me to marry Nweke's daughter." C. "You have lived in Lagos all your life . . . ." D. "Nnaemeka and his young wife were a most happy couple."

Which scenario is an example of a cultural dilemma? A. A child's grandfather wants his son to parent in the same way he raised his own children. B. A woman debates whether she should go to college or a trade school for her training. C. A world traveler offends his Muslim host by crossing his legs and showing the bottom of his shoe. D. A couple wants to send their child to a boarding school rather than a public school.

The story tells us that "[t]he prejudice against Nnaemeka's marriage was not confined to his little village." How else is this idea revealed in the story? A. The women at their village meeting treat Nene differently than they would one of their own. B. The men at Nnaemeka's office begin to make fun of him and shun him because of his Ibibio wife. C. Nene is not allowed to go to the village meetings with her husband since she is not Ibo. D. Nnaemeka's father tells everyone in the village to avoid his son and wife because of their disobedience.

Which phrase defines the term "gender roles" best? A. portrayals of men and women as shown in both film and fiction B. the expected roles for males and females in a culture or society C. archetypes that apply to how men behave and are portrayed in literature D. stock characters and stereotypes in film and literature

Which phrase is the best definition of the word "cosmopolitan"? A. a small village or town B. sophisticated; international in nature C. stubborn and unyielding D. to show courtesy or respect

How is the title "Marriage Is a Private Affair" ironic? A. Nnaemeka had an affair while he was married to Nene, but she doesn't know about it. B. The marriage of Nnaemeka and Nene is not private at all because it is discussed by the entire village. C. Okeke is secretly pleased with Nnaemeka's choice of wife, but his pride won't let him admit it. D. Marriage can only be performed in a public ceremony, open to any who wants to attend.

How is the tension between the characters reconciled in the story "Marriage Is a Private Affair"? A. Okeke formally denounces his son and dies a bitter man. B. Nnaemeka and Nene move to another country. C. Okeke accepts Nene when he discovers her family is wealthy. D. Okeke decides he will go to meet his grandchildren.

Which phrase is the best definition of the word "persevere"? A. to endure; persist through adversity B. to express sympathy or condolences C. to beg or pray earnestly D. to be sophisticated; international in nature

Which phrase is the best definition of the word "deference"? A. unyielding obstinance; stubbornness B. courtesy; respectful submission C. to endure or persist through difficulty D. a problem involving a difficult choice

Which of the following is not a reason for Nnaemeka's objection to the girl his father has chosen? A. He doesn't love her. B. She is an "Amazon." C. She is a "complete dunce." D. She is of a different tribe.

What finally changes Okeke's mind about seeing his son and family? A. He learns that Nnaemeka has a terminal illness and will die soon. B. Nene writes and begs him to see his two grandsons. C. He finds out that Nnaemeka has divorced his wife and remarried. D. Nnaemeka begs him to allow a visit before he dies so they can be reconciled.

What conflict develops for the engaged couple in the story "Marriage Is a Private Affair"? A. Nene's father objects to their marriage. B. Nnaemeka's father objects to their marriage. C. Nnaemeka has fallen in love with another woman. D. Nene does not want to move to Ibo.