The Return by Ngugi wa Thiong'o

As Kamau walks down the road in "The Return," why does he look straight ahead?

• He wants to avoid strangers' eyes

• He hates to see the hard, dusty road

• He does not wish to recall his bitter past

• He hopes to see something that he recognizes

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In "The Return," why does Kamau's first sighting of the Honia River excite him?

• The Honia River is still a good source of drinkable water

• The river reminds him of his boyhood during better times

• The river valley is greener than the surrounding landscape

• The Honia River represents the freedom of the Gikuyu people

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

In "The Return," why does Kamau expect to receive a hero's welcome?

• He comes from a family of royal heroes

• He won the war against the colonial forces

• He knows that he is meant to rule the village

• He was always a favorite who fought for his people

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CCSS.RL.2.10

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In "The Return," how does Kamau's father act at first when Kamau returns?

• with joy and surprise

• with disgust and fury

• with pity and despair

• with confusion and fear

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CCSS.RL.2.10

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In "The Return," what does Kamau discover when he arrives at his family's home?

• He is no longer a favorite of the village, and Karanja's popularity is now greater than his

• His father thinks Kamau is dead, and he has sent Kamau's bride, Muthoni, to live elsewhere

• Karanja told everyone Kamau is dead, and he has taken off with Kamau's bride, Muthoni

• Karanja has told everyone Kamau is in jail, and he has convinced Kamau's family that Kamau is bad

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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Read the passage from "The Return." Kamau made quick, springing steps, his left hand dangling freely by the side of his once white coat, now torn and worn out. His right hand bent at the elbow, held onto a string tied to a small bundle on his slightly drooping back. The bundle, well wrapped with a cotton cloth had once been printed with red flowers now faded out, swing from side to side in harmony with the rhythm of his steps. The bundle help the bitterness and hardships of the years spent in detention camps. What does the passage most clearly tell you about Kamau?

• His spirit has been broken

• He has been away for some time.

• Prison life has taught him many things

• His adventures have made him very wealthy

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.1

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

Based on details in "The Return," what conclusion can you most logically draw regarding the Gikuyu, Kamau's people?

• They live under colonial rule and have been punished for acts of rebellion

• They are a proud people who reject those who have been in trouble with the law

• They once lived under colonial rule but have liberated their country through war

• They are a humble people who will not question the decisions of the ruling authorities.

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What does this passage from "The Return" mainly tell you about Kamau's time in prison?

• He tried unsuccessfully to escape and was beaten for it

• He was treated with respect except when he showed his anger

• He resented his degrading treatment but did not show his outrage

• He was ashamed to be in prison and disguised that shame with heated words

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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Read the following passage from the conclusion of "The Return." He tried to remove his coat, and the small bundle he has held onto so firmly fell. It rolled down the bank and before Kamau knew what was happening, it was floating swiftly down the river. For a time he was shocked and wanted to retrieve it. What would he show his - Oh, had he forgotten so soon? His wife was gone. And the little things that had so strangely reminded him of her and that he had guarded all those years, had gone! He did not know why, but somehow he felt relieved. What does this passage most clearly suggest about Kamau's response to his homecoming?

• Kamau continues to cling to the past, shown by his dismay at losing his bundle

• Kamau will let go of the past and accept his losses, shown by his relief at the loss of his bundle

• Kamau will no longer cling to material possessions, shown by his understanding of the value of his bundle

• Kamau is unable to let go of his wife, shown by his refusal to acknowledge that he can no longer show her the bundle

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In “The Return,” why does Kamau’s first sighting of the Honia River excite him?

• The Honia River is still a good source of drinkable water.

• The river reminds him of his boyhood during better times

• The Honia River represents the freedom of the Gikuyu people

• The river valley is greener than the surrounding landscape.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4