A Grain of Wheat

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapters 9-11

Chapters 12-13

Chapters 14-18

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Why does Mumbi offer herself to Karanja when he tells her that Gikonyo will soon be released from detention center?

Mumbi explains the story of her infidelity to Mugo, but does not tell it to Gikonyo. Why? What stops her from telling the story, even though it may excuse her actions?

Explain the transformation that occurs within Gikonyo at the end of the novel. Is he truly poised to understand and forgive Mumbi, or does he simply intend to forget the past?