- 1. Facing Mount Kenya, written by Jomo Kenyatta, is a seminal work in African literature that explores the rich cultural tapestry of the Kikuyu people, as well as the historical and social challenges they faced during the turbulent colonial period in Kenya. Authored while Kenyatta was imprisoned, the book serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on the impact of colonialism, as he deftly intertwines traditional Kikuyu mythology, customs, and societal structures with his own experiences and observations. Through vivid descriptions of the Kenyan landscape and deeply reflective prose, Kenyatta articulates the significance of Mount Kenya, not only as a physical landmark but also as a symbol of the Kikuyu identity and resistance. The narrative delves into the complexities of cultural preservation amidst external pressures and invites readers to appreciate the resilience of the Kikuyu people in the face of oppression. Kenyatta’s eloquent exploration of themes such as identity, national pride, and the struggle for independence resonates with audiences, highlighting the enduring spirit of African nations and their quest for autonomy and self-realization. This work remains a pivotal text for understanding the historical context of Kenya's independence movement and the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity.
Who is the author of Facing Mount Kenya?
A) Wangari Maathai
B) Ngugi wa Thiong'o
C) Jomo Kenyatta
D) Chinua Achebe
- 2. Facing Mount Kenya was first published in what year?
A) 1963
B) 1938
C) 1945
D) 1952
- 3. Which mountain is considered sacred in Gikuyu culture, as described in the book?
A) The Aberdare Range
B) Mount Elgon
C) Mount Kilimanjaro
D) Mount Kenya
- 4. What was Jomo Kenyatta's original name before he changed it?
A) Mwai Kibaki
B) Dedan Kimathi
C) Kamau wa Ngengi
D) Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
- 5. Which anthropologist was one of Kenyatta's teachers and influenced the book?
A) Franz Boas
B) Bronisław Malinowski
C) Margaret Mead
D) Claude Lévi-Strauss
- 6. What is the name of the Gikuyu god?
A) Nyame
B) Ngai
C) Mulungu
D) Asis
- 7. Which of the following is a major theme of the book?
A) An economic plan for Kenya
B) A defense of Gikuyu culture against colonial misrepresentation
C) A travelogue of Kenya's regions
D) A call for violent revolution
- 8. What is the Gikuyu system of age-groups called?
A) Itwika
B) Riika
C) Harambee
D) Ujamaa
- 9. Kenyatta argues that land is central to Gikuyu life for what reason?
A) It was given to them by the British
B) It is the source of all political power
C) It is the foundation of economic, social, and religious life
D) It is used primarily for hunting
- 10. What is the name of the Gikuyu council of elders?
A) Duka
B) Baraza
C) Kiama
D) Shirika
- 11. Which institution is described as the cornerstone of Gikuyu society?
A) The army
B) The market
C) The church
D) The family
- 12. What is the main economic activity described in the book?
A) Cultivation of crops
B) Mining
C) Cattle herding
D) Trading
- 13. What was Kenyatta's purpose in writing in English?
A) He did not know Gikuyu well
B) To appeal to a American audience
C) To speak directly to the colonial power
D) It was the only language he could write
- 14. Which value is emphasized throughout Gikuyu social organization?
A) Communal responsibility
B) Individual wealth
C) Military conquest
D) Religious conversion
- 15. How does Kenyatta primarily present himself in the book?
A) As an insider explaining his own culture
B) As a neutral foreign observer
C) As a critic of his own culture
D) As a religious leader
- 16. The book is considered a foundational text in what field?
A) African anthropology
B) European history
C) Marine biology
D) Astrophysics
- 17. What practice does Kenyatta specifically defend in the book?
A) Human sacrifice
B) Polygamy for all men
C) Female circumcision
D) Colonial taxation
- 18. What is 'irua' as described in the book?
A) A system of trade
B) The initiation ceremony
C) A type of dance
D) A harvest festival
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