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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. How many rhinoceros horns does the Old Seeker tell chief Ngalo he needs?

2. At what age do the men in Gumsto's tribe marry?

3. Who inadvertently starts a war with the Xhosa tribe in Chapter Five by moving to land he doesn't realize has been allotted to the Xhosa by the governor?

4. How do Adriaan and Seena Van Doorn meet Dr. Nels Linnart from Sweden?

5. What three European nations battle for control of Malacca in Chapter Three?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why the Dutch want to gain control of the Portuguese fort at Malacca in Chapter Three, and what factor leads to their success in doing so.

2. What ability is valued by the San in their men, and what ability does Gao have instead?

3. Explain why the San tribe must move, and why Kharu thinks the time is not yet right to move?

4. How is high school student Petra affected by racism in Chapter Thirteen?

5. What is life like for black South Africans under apartheid and Detleef Van Doorn's new laws?

6. Describe how Nxumalo fares in the city of Zimbabwe.

7. Who are the Venloo Commandos, and how do they fare in their skirmishes with the English?

8. Why does the Old Seeker ostensibly bring Nxumalo to Zimbabwe, and what is his real reason for bringing Nxumalo to the great city?

9. Who is Pik Prinsloo, and what exciting find does he make in 1978?

10. When Tjaart Van Doorn and the other Voortrekkers leave their farms, why does the Church not support them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some marriages in The Covenant are arranged, some are marriages of convenience, and some are nontraditional interracial relationships. Discuss any three of the following relationships: Willem Van Doorn, Ateh/Deborah, and Katje; Hilary Saltwood, Vera, and Emma; Lodevicus Van Doorn, Rebecca, and Wilhelmina Heimstra; and Paul de Prè, Petronella Van Doorn, and Annatjie Van Doorn. How does the historical era of each union affect the relationship? What do you think the author is saying about the availability of single European women and life on the South African frontier through these marriages?

Essay Topic 2

What character flaws and strengths do you see in the Van Doorn family through the generations depicted in The Covenant? Select at least three characters from the Van Doorn family, each from a different generation, and discuss how their flaws and strengths help or hinder the characters in dealing with the conflicts in their relationships and in their historical eras. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Select at least three chapters from The Covenant. Discuss how the titles of the chapters relate to the plots, themes, and characters in each chapter. Do any of the titles seem to have more than one possible meaning? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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