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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. What is the name of the man that Ralph was fighting with on the road just before it gave way?

2. After witnessing the fight between his father and Ralph, Jordan tries to cut off his member. Who inadvertently stops Jordan from hurting himself?

3. How many diamonds are in the bag that Zouga brings back from his meeting with the nameless man?

4. After losing everything he has in the bet on the rough ride, who does Zouga give the soapstone sculpture to?

5. What is the name of Zouga's eldest son?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the two men fight, Ralph is filled with hatred for his father. What is the source of Ralph's hatred?

2. How does Zouga react when the nameless man offers him an equal partnership in his scheme to gain profits by salting Zouga's claim?

3. Why does Zouga's wife insist on accompanying him to Colesberg as the story begins?

4. After Mungo has been released from prison in Cape Town, Zouga loses contact with Mungo. How do they finally make contact with each other again?

5. Giving up the statue was especially painful for Jordan. What does Jordan equate the statue with?

6. How are edicts from the Digger's Committee enforced?

7. When Jordan accepts the job that is offered to him when he delivers the statue to its new owner, what is Jordan's first responsibility at his new job?

8. While he is down in the pit, why does the Matabele warrior lean into the mud wall - the action that enables him to find the large diamond?

9. What most surprises Zouga when he first arrives in Colesberg?

10. Describe what married life was like for Zouga's wife.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts that are used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they impact the story's plot, as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what impact would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Cecil Rhodes and King Lobengula.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. How is each character affected by their perceived self-worth - both positively and negatively?

Essay Topic 3

Zouga Ballantyne seems to be a man who is supremely confident in his ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Zouga helped by his confidence? How is Zouga hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.

(see the answer keys)

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